Colonial Pipeline continues to operate safely beneath the heavy and historic snow fall in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Deliveries of home heating oil and other fuels residents depend on have continued throughout the winter storm, which has covered much of the region with 30 inches or more of snow.

Colonial places the highest priority on operating safely and reliably. This ensures protection of our employees and the public and guarantees our customers have ample fuel supplies to serve their markets. Like everybody else, snow removal has been a top priority. Most pipeline operations are conducted from indoors, but Colonial employees make regular checks of all equipment to ensure it is in working order.

From bunking overnight on cots at facilities, to staying at nearby hotels to be ready for their next shift, to shoe attachments that prevent slipping and falling on icy paths, Colonial's employees in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey pride themselves on responding safely and effectively to this and any other emergency that arises.

Planning ahead helps. Pipeline markers placed on the pipeline right of way are especially tall in the some parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Done to ensure visibility from a distance, the tall markers give Colonial an advantage during heavy snowfalls. Protecting the right of way from unauthorized digging and excavating requires vigilance and education of the public. Anyone using equipment to dig should first call "811" to be sure underground utilities are not present. Colonial enthusiastically supports the national "811 - Call Before You Dig" campaign.