Colonial Pipeline System GA/TX — Infrastructure Risk Profile

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score	8 / 10 High
Facility Type	⚡ Power Plant / Substation
Operator / Branch	Colonial Pipeline Company
Host County	Shelby County AL
Nearest City	Pepperell MA
Primary Risk Radius	50 miles

// Strategic Significance

The Colonial Pipeline is the largest fuel pipeline system in the United States carrying 100 million gallons of gasoline diesel and jet fuel daily from Texas refineries to the southeastern states and up the East Coast to New York. In May 2021 a ransomware cyberattack forced Colonial to shut down the pipeline for 6 days causing fuel shortages panic buying and price spikes across the Southeast — demonstrating the extraordinary vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure to cyberattacks.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

The 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack created fuel shortages across the Southeast within days of the shutdown. Gas stations ran dry across Georgia the Carolinas Virginia and up through the mid-Atlantic. Aviation fuel shortages affected airports. The event demonstrated how quickly a cyberattack on a single pipeline can cascade into a civilian emergency affecting millions of people across multiple states.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

Residents along the Colonial Pipeline corridor from Texas to New York should maintain emergency fuel supplies in vehicles particularly in areas with limited pipeline alternatives. During any pipeline disruption fill vehicles early before shortages develop. Maintain a minimum half-tank of fuel habit in areas heavily dependent on Colonial Pipeline for fuel supply. Monitor energy market alerts during any regional fuel shortage.