Kinder Morgan operates a pipeline that runs through Walnut Creek, much of it within the property of the Contra Costa County Flood Control District.

In November of 2020, a leak was detected along the side of the roadway where the pipeline runs along the east side of the South Broadway exit from Highway 680.  In December of 2020, it was discovered that additional fuel had leaked into the San Ramon Bypass flood control channel near Civic Park.

While much of the fuel product has been successfully removed, work continues and the remediation is likely to continue for several years, facilitated by the SF Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. 

August, 2023 Update:

If you have noticed more activity along the South Broadway extension near I-680, there has been significant work underway along the Kinder Morgan pipeline corridor.  Kinder Morgan and its contractors conducted pipeline integrity maintenance work on South Broadway.  A portion of a 10-inch pipeline has been replaced on the portion of Kinder Morgan’s Santa Fe Pacific Pipeline (SFPP) system in the area. 

Crews have installed monitoring wells on Bradley Avenue and next to the canal near Civic Park.

Soil testing is currently underway in the areas most affected, and is expected to be completed by August 18. Work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. with minimal noise and traffic impacts anticipated.

The City of Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County, along with the Regional Water Quality Control Board, are engaged with the oversight of applicable permitting and access approvals. Traffic impacts should be limited.

A Unified Command led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) transitioned to this long-term remediation effort conducted by Kinder Morgan.  There are two regulatory agencies involved in overseeing the remediation efforts: the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California State Water Board. The State Water Board is the primary agency involved. The Water Board’s GeoTracker website includes detailed documents, and you can also register for email alerts from the Water Board on the incident.

Kinder Morgan has assigned Public Affairs Manager Ken Collins as the community's liaison.  He can be reached at ken_collins@kindermorgan.com, or at (614) 394-3462.  Please know that the City also welcomes residents to reach out at CommunityConcerns@walnut-creek.org if they have additional concerns.