Ameer Randolph
The Colonial Pipeline tank farm in Greensboro, Guilford County, is a critical point in the Northeast's infrastructure, with about 100 million gallons of fuel passing through it every day. The tank farm has been cited for discharging MTBE, a toxic gasoline additive, at levels 312% above its permit limit. There have been 12 reported petroleum spills at the tank farm since the 1980s, and MTBE contamination has impacted groundwater and drinking water supplies. The National Guard has utilized the tank farm for training exercises, with over 300 guardsmen and 40 vehicles participating in drills aimed at preparing for natural and man-made disasters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Guilford County, North Carolina |
| Nearby places | Gallimore Dairy Road, Greensboro, Houston, Northeast, Washington, New York, Linden, NJ |
| Capacity | About 100 million gallons of fuel per day |
| Owner | Colonial Pipeline Co. |
| Issues | Discharging MTBE at 312% above its permit limit, 12 reported petroleum spills since the 1980s |
| Regulations | No fuel storage tank shall be installed or replaced without a permit from the Guilford Building Department, direct burial of in-ground fuel storage tanks will be permitted for commercial, industrial, and municipal uses if they comply with Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection standards |
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What You'll Learn
Greensboro Tank Farm's role in National Guard training
The Greensboro Tank Farm in Guilford County plays a crucial role in training exercises for the National Guard. The tank farm, located on Gallimore Dairy Road, is a unique site that serves as a critical point in the Northeast's infrastructure. About 100 million gallons of fuel pass through the Colonial Pipeline tank farm every day, supplying gasoline, jet fuel, home heating fuel, and other products to major cities in the Northeast, including Washington and New York. Most of the fuel ends up in Linden, New Jersey, where it is distributed to its final destinations via truck terminals, ships, and barges.
The Greensboro Tank Farm hosts annual training exercises for state and local agencies, including the National Guard, to prepare for various disaster scenarios, whether natural or man-made. The training ensures that the agencies can work collaboratively and smooths out "friction points" between them. Local law enforcement agencies also play a vital role in maintaining the security of the tank farm and coordinating with the National Guard when necessary.
During the training exercises, the National Guard deploys a significant number of personnel and resources, including over 300 guardsmen and 40 vehicles. The exercises involve multiple local agencies, such as the Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County Emergency Management, High Point Fire Department, and federal Transportation Security Administration.
The training is designed to prepare the National Guard's Rapid Reaction Force to respond swiftly to emergencies within 24 to 48 hours of being called out by the governor. The force has previously trained at airports and ports and provided assistance during significant events like the Democratic National Convention.
The Greensboro Tank Farm's strategic location and the high volume of fuel it handles make it an ideal setting for the National Guard to conduct comprehensive training exercises. By familiarizing themselves with the infrastructure and collaborating with local agencies, the National Guard enhances its preparedness and ability to respond effectively to a wide range of potential emergencies.
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The farm's location as a critical point in the Northeast's infrastructure
The Greensboro Tank Farm, also known as the Colonial Pipeline Tank Farm, is located on Gallimore Dairy Road in Guilford County, North Carolina. It serves as a critical point in the Northeast's infrastructure, supplying fuel to major cities in the region. Approximately 100 million gallons of fuel pass through the tank farm each day, making it a vital link in the fuel supply chain for the East Coast.
The tank farm's strategic location is a key factor in its importance to the Northeast's infrastructure. It is situated at the halfway point between Houston, where the fuel originates, and its final destination in the Northeast. This makes it a crucial hub for the distribution of fuel to cities such as Washington, New York, and Linden, New Jersey. In Linden, the fuel is then transferred to trucks, ships, and barges for delivery to its final destinations.
The tank farm's role in the fuel supply chain has led to a focus on safety and emergency preparedness. State and local agencies, including law enforcement and emergency management, work closely with the pipeline company to ensure coordination and a swift response to any incidents. The National Guard has also conducted training exercises at the tank farm, preparing for both natural and human-made disasters. These exercises aim to smoothen "friction points" between agencies and ensure a rapid and effective response to any emergencies.
However, the Greensboro Tank Farm has faced environmental concerns due to the discharge of MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), a toxic gasoline additive, into nearby water bodies. In July 2023, it was reported that the tank farm had discharged MTBE at levels 312% above its permitted limit, contaminating groundwater and the East Fork of the Deep River. This has raised concerns about the potential impact on drinking water sources and aquatic habitats. As a result, state regulators have cited Colonial Pipeline for these violations, and the company has taken steps to address the issue.
Overall, the Greensboro Tank Farm's location as a critical point in the Northeast's infrastructure underscores the importance of fuel distribution and emergency preparedness in the region. Its strategic position facilitates the supply of fuel to major cities, while also highlighting the need for coordination between various agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities it serves.
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The farm's history of MTBE discharge
The Colonial Pipeline tank farm in Greensboro, Guilford County, has been cited for discharging MTBE, a toxic gasoline additive, at levels 312% above its permit limit. This is the third such violation in less than 18 months, with previous exceedances occurring in February and March 2022, and the most recent in February 2023.
MTBE is a flammable liquid that was once widely used as an additive in unleaded gasoline to increase octane and oxygen levels and reduce pollution emissions. However, it has been found to contaminate groundwater and drinking water supplies across the US, leading many states to ban its use. While North Carolina banned MTBE in gasoline in 2008, it is still legal to transport fuel containing MTBE through the state via pipeline, rail, or truck.
The discharge from the Guilford County tank farm flows through Outfall No. 4 on Colonial property and enters a catchment pond that drains into the East Fork of the Deep River. This river is the drinking water supply for the City of Sanford downstream. The contamination has been attributed to a 25-year-old groundwater plume upstream of Outfall No. 4, with MTBE clinging to water and moving rapidly with groundwater, rendering it unpotable at low levels.
In response to the MTBE discharge, Colonial installed a groundwater treatment system in June 2022 and has considered installing an aeration unit at the catchment pond to remove MTBE before it reaches the outfall. The company has reported that no wells or waterways were affected, and they plan to extract and treat at least 250,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater per day. However, long-term inhalation of MTBE can damage the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys, and chronic exposure can cause dizziness, throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and harm to the liver and kidneys. It has also been linked to cancer in animals.
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The farm's annual training rotations
The Greensboro Tank Farm in Guilford County plays a critical role in the Northeast's infrastructure by delivering a significant volume of fuel to the East Coast daily. This fuel includes gasoline, jet fuel, home heating fuel, and other products destined for major cities like Washington and New York. Recognizing its strategic importance, the tank farm annually hosts training rotations for state and local agencies, including the National Guard, to prepare for potential disasters, whether natural or man-made.
The annual training rotations at the Guilford County Tank Farm serve as a crucial exercise to ensure the readiness of various agencies in responding to emergencies. The National Guard, as the primary participant, contributes over 300 guardsmen and 40 vehicles to the training. They collaborate with local agencies such as the Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County Emergency Management, High Point Fire Department, and Transportation Security Administration. This joint exercise facilitates interagency cooperation and smooths out "friction points" between different organizations.
The training scenarios encompass a range of potential crises, including natural disasters and man-made incidents. For instance, the training may simulate responses to events like the shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where a swift and coordinated response from multiple agencies is necessary. By conducting these exercises, the agencies involved can identify and address any challenges or conflicts that may arise during actual emergency situations.
The Guilford County Tank Farm is an ideal location for these annual training rotations due to its unique position in the fuel supply chain. As the halfway point between Houston, where the fuel originates, and its final destination in the Northeast, the tank farm serves as a critical junction. Approximately 100 million gallons of fuel pass through the tank farm daily, making it a significant link in the region's fuel distribution network.
The annual training rotations at the Guilford County Tank Farm are designed to enhance the preparedness and coordination of the participating agencies. By rotating the training location among different facilities, including the Greensboro Tank Farm, the organizations involved can familiarize themselves with diverse geographical contexts and adapt their response strategies accordingly. This rotational approach ensures that the agencies are well-equipped to handle emergencies across various parts of the region.
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The volume of fuel passing through the farm daily
The Greensboro Tank Farm, also known as the Colonial Pipeline Tank Farm, is a critical point in the Northeast's infrastructure, delivering about 100 million gallons of fuel daily to the East Coast. This fuel is transported through two pipes, one 36 inches in diameter and the other 40 inches, supplying gasoline, jet fuel, home heating fuel, and other products to major cities in the Northeast, including Washington and New York. Most of the fuel ultimately reaches Linden, New Jersey, where it is distributed to its final destinations via trucks, ships, and barges.
The tank farm's strategic location in Greensboro, North Carolina, makes it an ideal site for training exercises involving state and local agencies, such as the National Guard, the Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County Emergency Management, and the High Point Fire Department. These exercises aim to prepare the agencies for various emergency scenarios, ensuring their readiness to respond to both natural and man-made disasters.
While the tank farm plays a crucial role in fuel distribution, it has also faced environmental concerns. In July 2023, the tank farm was cited for discharging MTBE, a toxic gasoline additive, at levels 312% above its permitted limit. This incident was the third such violation in less than 18 months, underscoring the need for diligent monitoring and adherence to environmental regulations.
The contamination resulted from a 25-year-old groundwater plume upstream of Outfall No. 4, according to state records. MTBE is a highly mobile contaminant that can rapidly render groundwater unfit for consumption, even at low concentrations. To address this issue, Colonial Pipeline installed a groundwater treatment system in June 2022, demonstrating their commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of their operations.
In conclusion, the Guilford County Tank Farm, also known as the Greensboro Tank Farm or the Colonial Pipeline Tank Farm, is a vital link in the fuel supply chain for the East Coast and the Northeast. Its daily volume of approximately 100 million gallons of fuel underscores its significance in ensuring the region's energy needs. However, with great responsibility comes great accountability, and the operators of the tank farm must remain vigilant in maintaining environmental compliance and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
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Frequently asked questions
The Guilford County tank farm, also known as the Colonial Pipeline tank farm, holds about 100 million gallons of fuel.
The Guilford County tank farm stores gasoline, jet fuel, home heating fuel, and other petroleum products.
The fuel in the Guilford County tank farm comes from Houston, Texas.
The fuel is transported to cities in the Northeast, including Washington and New York. Most of it ends up in Linden, New Jersey, where it is delivered to its final destination via truck terminals, ships, or barges.
Yes, there have been concerns over fuel leaks and spills at the Guilford County tank farm. In July 2023, there were reports of MTBE, a toxic gasoline additive, being discharged at levels 312% above the permitted limit. This was the third such violation in 18 months. Additionally, there have been 12 reported petroleum spills at the tank farm since the 1980s.
