No Waste Management solid-waste pickup in Seattle on Thursday because of BC’s broken gas pipeline

(Waste Management photo)

Another local effect of that natural-gas pipeline rupture near Prince George, B.C.: Waste Management‘s natural-gas-powered trucks are idled, so if you have Thursday solid-waste pickup from WM, the company says you won’t get it tomorrow. Here’s the news release WM sent tonight:

There will be no garbage, recycling or compostables collection service for most Waste Management customers in King and Snohomish counties on Thursday, Oct. 11, due to a natural gas pipeline rupture in British Columbia.

The pipeline rupture has interrupted the flow of natural gas for Puget Sound Energy, which delivers natural gas for Waste Management trucks. The duration of the suspension is unclear.

Areas that will not have Waste Management service on Thursday, Oct. 11, include Algona, Auburn, Federal Way, Kirkland, Mill Creek, Redmond, Seattle, Snoqualmie, and the unincorporated areas of King and Snohomish counties.

Services have not been interrupted in or around Marysville (including Arlington, Granite Falls or the unincorporated area), Skagit County or Kitsap County because Waste Management uses different fuel suppliers for trucks in these areas.

“Waste Management has deployed our top logistics experts to do everything possible to address the situation and activate contingency plans,” said Jackie Lang, public affairs manager for Waste Management. “Our teams are focused on one goal – minimizing disruption for our customers. The best resource of information, as updates are available, is the Waste Management website at wmnorthwest.com.”

Here’s the WM service-alert link. This morning, we reported on Puget Sound Energy‘s call for gas customers to conserve because of the pipeline problem; PSE is now asking for that conservation to continue Thursday.

10 Replies to "No Waste Management solid-waste pickup in Seattle on Thursday because of BC's broken gas pipeline"

  • David October 11, 2018 (5:49 am)

    I find it amazing that one broken pipe can take down or severely limit an important system. I wonder if the people who designed this ever heard of the word redundancy?

    • Mark October 11, 2018 (7:33 am)

      Unfortunately, forced reduction in usage is going to become increasingly common due to the huge increase in usage in our region and people trying to fight PSE’s efforts to meet that demand. Even without supply disruptions we face much more drastic reductions in usage if we get a severe cold snap which we have not had in years.

      PSE is trying to solve this by building the LNG plant at the Port of Tacoma. It is in part to provide environmentally friendlier fuel for the vessels that call on the Port but it also includes a large peak shaving capability. This allows build up of large quantities of excess storage during super high demand periods. http://tacomacleanlng.com/faqs

      Some are fighting the completion of the plant trying to lay claim of being “environmentalists.” Believe it or not, even our delusional city council contemplated a resolution against the plant (like they don’t have better things to do).

    • Question Authority October 11, 2018 (8:23 am)

      Well, let’s see why those redundancies don’t exist on such a scale. Cost, risk, environmental concerns, permitting etc. Do you have a backup fridge, oven, furnace, car, phone etc. just in case they might fail?

      • WSB October 11, 2018 (9:44 am)

        Actually according to at least one B.C. story I’ve read, this is a twin pipeline and only one of the pipes ruptured, but the other was shut down to be sure it was safe.- TR

        Added: Just checked the Vancouver Sun website. One of its newer stories says, “Canada’s National Energy Board issued an order late Wednesday local time allowing Enbridge to restart the adjacent line at reduced pressure, the regulator said in a statement on its website. The company can later apply to resume full pressure.”

  • Max October 11, 2018 (9:04 am)

    This is not a major problem or inconvenience, so lets try to keep perspective. My stove still lights and my fireplace is keeping my house warm, so thanks PSE!

  • Dave Cowger October 11, 2018 (10:24 am)

    No garbage pick up? The transfer stations will be VERY busy.

  • steve October 11, 2018 (10:48 am)

    Strange. My furnace is pumping away just fine. Why can’t the trucks have any of that gas? C’mon over, I’ll hook you up! Bring a hose!

  • MJ October 11, 2018 (1:21 pm)

    Any word as to when the pick ups will be made? Or are they planning to credit customer accounts accordingly?

  • Mj October 11, 2018 (2:27 pm)

    Thank you

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