May 8, 2021 –Updated
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Colonial Pipeline the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily to meet the energy needs of consumers from Houston, Texas to the New York Harbor was shut down to a sever cyber attack as announced this morning. The attack has taken certain IT systems off line and the pipeline is working to restore the pipeline to normal operation. The pipeline moves 2.5 million barrels per day providing gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel to all major airports in region and fuel for the military though the pipeline system.
Locally the pipeline runs from the south though Burlington (Bordentown, Joint Base), Mercer County (Hamilton, Robbinsville-East Windsor), Middlesex (Cranbury, Monroe, South Brunswick), Union County (Linden).
Statement from Colonial Pipeline:
On May 7, the Colonial Pipeline Company learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems. Upon learning of the issue, a leading, third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged, and they have already launched an investigation into the nature and scope of this incident, which is ongoing. We have contacted law enforcement and other federal agencies.
Colonial Pipeline is taking steps to understand and resolve this issue. At this time, our primary focus is the safe and efficient restoration of our service and our efforts to return to normal operation. This process is already underway, and we are working diligently to address this matter and to minimize disruption to our customers and those who rely on Colonial Pipeline.
Updated — Saturday, May 8, 12:30 p.m.
On May 7, the Colonial Pipeline Company learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. We have since determined that this incident involves ransomware. In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems. Upon learning of the issue, a leading, third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged, and they have launched an investigation into the nature and scope of this incident, which is ongoing. We have contacted law enforcement and other federal agencies.
Colonial Pipeline is taking steps to understand and resolve this issue. At this time, our primary focus is the safe and efficient restoration of our service and our efforts to return to normal operation. This process is already underway, and we are working diligently to address this matter and to minimize disruption to our customers and those who rely on Colonial Pipeline.
According to the Colonial Pipeline website the “Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons or 2.5 million barrels per day. Colonial transports approximately 45 percent of all fuel consumed on the East Coast, providing refined products to more than 50 million Americans.
Specifically, Colonial transports various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel, and fuels for the U.S. military through a pipeline system. The system is connected refineries in the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. The majority of the system is underground, with tankage and other facilities at key receipt, storage and delivery points.”
Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:
Colonial Pipeline Works To Restore Service, US FMCSA Issues Emergency Declaration In 18 States To Control Shortages
Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline
Locally the Colonial Pipeline runs though Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex Counties as seen the morning of May 8, 2021
The last time the Colonial Pipeline had an issue in the area was on October 3, 2008 in Hamilton Township Mercer County near Allentown-Yardville Road at the NJ Turnpike. A crew doing soil borings for the NJ Turnpike widening project drilled into the Colonial Pipeline causing an oil spill. Hamilton Township Fire Department and the Hamilton Township Hazardous Materials Team responded to the incident.
October 3, 2008 when a contractor doing soil borings for the NJ Turnpike widening project drilled into the Colonial Pipeline causing a leak. MidJersey.news file photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.