The test area begins just north of Van Wyck Road and ends south of Lake Samish. The company had previously said it would pressure test at 125 percent. The test is designed to ensure the pipeline will be safe and durable once fuel is allowed to run through it again. The federal Office of Pipeline Safety has the final say on when the pipeline can reopen. Last week, a pipeline expert working for the city said he expected portions of the pipeline to flunk because of the incredible stress put on the pipeline.
Olympic officials disagree.
A 37-mile stretch of pipeline from Cherry Point to Skagit County has been closed since the June 10 blast in Whatcom Falls Park. The ruptured piece of pipeline was replaced last Friday. Olympic also is studying whether it is feasible to move the pipeline outside of Bellingham. In order to carry out the testing, Olympic workers Monday excavated, cut, and capped the end of each two-mile section before it was filled with water. They will be on hand to monitor the testing.