Merritt updates commissioners on Piney Point pipeline operations and safety upgrades

Merritt representatives updated commissioners on the Piney Point oil pipeline on Aug. 28, describing technical upgrades, operational practices and outreach efforts intended to reduce risks.

The pipeline runs from the Piney Point terminal in St. Mary's County to Morgantown and Chalk Point generating stations. Merritt speakers said the company returned the line to service in 2001 after the earlier incident and installed upgrades including a SCADA (supervisory control and data-acquisition) leak-detection module, remote-controlled shutdown valves, an enhanced cathodic-protection system, regular in-line inspections ("smart pig" runs), a 24/7 staffed control room and expanded operator training and qualification procedures.

Merritt noted roughly 30 miles of the line lie in St. Mary's County; the line carries number-6 residual oil that is heated in the pipe to maintain flow and uses a flushing (number-2) oil when the line is in a laid-up state. Company representatives said no reportable incidents, notices of violation or noncompliance have occurred since the 2001 return to service and that periodic aerial surveillance (every 10–14 days) and right-of-way management are part of a third-party damage–prevention program.

Emergency coordination and local contacts: Merritt said it maintains agreements with spill-response contractors and trains with local emergency responders; the company also keeps an annual, updated spill-prevention and emergency-response plan and offered contact points for county officials. Merritt asked county officials to act as ambassadors by notifying the company when subdivisions or large projects are proposed near the pipeline route.

Ending: The briefing was informational; commissioners thanked Merritt staff and requested continued communication and periodic updates.