Explosion of Alabama Pipelines Could Impact Tennessee

Motorist urged not to panic - practice normal fueling habits.

0
1894

Tennessee residents and motorists could be impacted again by the Colonial Pipeline explosion that happened on Monday, October 31, in Alabama.

Increased costs at the pumps is expected in the coming weeks and days until services with the pipeline company resumes to a normal operational status.  Minimal delivery disruption of contracted fueling services is expected at this time.

Less than two months ago Cheatham County residents experienced long lines at gas pumps following Governor Bill Haslam’s announcement declaring Tennessee a state of emergency on Friday, September 9, 2016.

img_8212
Motorist wait their turn to fuel up at the Marathon Gas Station off Highway 49 in Coopertown in September.

Tennessee motorists are still urged not to panic, run to fill gas tanks up or store extra containers of gasoline.  Residents panicked after Colonial Pipelines discovered a leak in September, depleting gas pumps in less than a day.

September 2016 Gas Shortage
Sudden Service pumps covered after customers depleted gasoline only hours after Governor Bill Haslam announces Tennessee was declared a state of emergency after a pipeline of gasoline ruptures in Alabama on September 9, 2016.

Tennessee residents were asked in September not to exceed normal gasoline purchases and to practice normal fueling habits. Saturday morning September 10, 2016, following Haslam’s State of Emergency announcement on Friday, Pleasant View and Coopertown gas stations had customers lined up, waiting their turn, hoping gas didn’t run out before they were able to fuel up.

img_8208
Coopertown, Tennessee residents lined up waiting to get gas on September 10, 2016.

In spite of the precautionary measure, residents panicked and by midday Saturday, September 10, pumps in Pleasant View, Ashland City, Coopertown, Harpeth and Pegram were without gas. The shortage didn’t last long, by Sunday September 11, most gas stations were up and running as normal.

img_8060
Sudden Service Gas Station at the corner of Highway 49 and Old Clarksville Pike in September.

Motorist are asked once more to practice normal driving and fueling habits to prevent a another potential crisis until pipelines are repaired and reopened.  Colonial Pipelines isn’t the only company contracted to service fuel to Tennessee which should limit the impact of the current pipeline explosion on Tennessee motorists and residents.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, according to The Tennessean (http://www.tennessean.com) is monitoring the current Colonial Pipeline situation.  He is staying in close contact with Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) for updates and will notify the public if necessary.

Wednesday, November 2, gas stations in Cheatham County were operating as normal without shortages, delays or lines.  Gas price in Pleasant View and Coopertown was $2.21 a gallon.

To learn more about the Colonial Pipeline Explosion in Alabama visit Cheatham News to read Colonial Pipeline Explosion in Alabama Halts Pipeline Repairs and Services 

-Tonya Steele