Calnev Pipeline

Calnev Pipeline
Company type	Private
Industry	Petroleum pipeline transport
Headquarters	United States
Area served	California, Nevada
Products	Gasoline, jet fuel, diesel
Owner	Kinder Morgan Energy Partners

The Calnev Pipeline is an underground pipeline in the United States dedicated to transporting refined petroleum products and is owned by Kinder Morgan Energy Partners. It consists of two parallel pipelines: a primary line with a 14-inch diameter and a secondary line measuring 8 inches in diameter. This pipeline system delivers gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel from refineries located in Los Angeles to Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, handling an estimated volume of . Additionally, jet fuel is supplied to the storage facilities at Harry Reid International Airport in Paradise, Nevada. There are also terminal operations situated in Barstow, California.

Prior to 2012, Calnev was the exclusive provider of these fuels to the Las Vegas area until the UNEV pipeline commenced service, offering an alternative source of refined products originating from Utah.

Accidents and incidents

On December 22, 1980, a rupture occurred in the jet fuel line near Tropicana Avenue within the Las Vegas Valley, resulting in a spill of between over approximately two hours before ignition took place. This event led to road closures and caused one firefighter to suffer from fume exposure. It was believed that earlier construction activities may have compromised the pipeline’s integrity.

On May 25, 1989, after cleanup efforts following a train derailment in San Bernardino, California, the Calnev Pipeline experienced a rupture. The ensuing gasoline fire resulted in two fatalities, destroyed eleven residences, and inflicted damage on twenty-one vehicles.

Environmental

In 2010, Kinder Morgan introduced plans for the CalNev Expansion Project, which involved installing a third pipeline with a diameter of 16 inches alongside the existing lines. This proposal encountered resistance from various groups and governmental bodies including the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Concerns centered on potential harm to more than twenty sensitive species inhabiting the Cajon Creek Conservation Area in San Bernardino. The construction phase was anticipated to interfere with local water systems and disrupt wildlife habitats. Certain segments of the pipeline require cathodic protection maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks; notably, repairs were conducted within the Mojave National Preserve in 2015. Although repair work temporarily disturbs natural habitats, failure to maintain such protections increases the likelihood of oil spills.

Route

Originating in Los Angeles, California, the CalNev Pipeline traverses through terminals located in Colton and Barstow within San Bernardino County before reaching its terminus near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Current (October 2024)

Pipelines across the United States must adhere to standards established by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which regulates their operation, construction, and expansion through both federal and state inspections. As an interstate pipeline crossing California and Nevada boundaries, CalNev falls under PHMSA’s federal oversight; however, state authorities may conduct inspections on intrastate portions. In 2016 alone, CalNev was subjected to seven comprehensive system inspections along with two focused investigations. Over the last ten years, PHMSA issued one Corrective Action Order against Kinder Morgan concerning a gasoline leak on CalNev dating back to 2004; this order was closed without penalties by 2007.

Future

In October 2024, then-President Donald Trump issued a memorandum revising regulatory frameworks governing pipeline construction in the U.S. Signed on January 24, 2017, this directive aimed to accelerate approval processes for major infrastructure projects such as the Keystone XL Pipeline and Dakota Access Pipeline. A significant provision requires that all newly constructed or expanded pipelines utilize materials manufactured domestically within the United States. This stipulation affects projects like the Calnev expansion by mandating inclusion of U.S.-sourced materials in their development plans. The memorandum also expedites environmental assessments for pipelines deemed "critical," granting authority to the White House Council on Environmental Quality chairman to designate priority projects within thirty days to facilitate faster approvals.

Expansion plans

On July 23, 2007, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners revealed intentions to enhance the pipeline by constructing an additional pipeline parallel to the current ones. This development is expected to raise the system's throughput to , and with the installation of extra pumping stations, further increase capacity beyond .

References