EPA Update on Yellowstone River Oil Spill (Silvertip Pipeline), August 5th, 2011 (MT)
EPA Update on Yellowstone River Oil Spill
(Silvertip Pipeline), August 5th, 2011
Matthew Allen, (720) 237-7414; John Dalton (303)
524-2459
(Billings, Mont --, August 5, 2011) EPA
continues to oversee the response to the ExxonMobil Silvertip
Pipeline Spill on the Yellowstone River. At this point, there are
nearly 850 personnel engaged in cleanup and shoreline assessment
efforts.
EPA sampling results for air, water, soil, and
sediment data are now available on the EPA spill website. Results
and a fact sheet on the crude oil samples are available as
well.
“The data tells us that we have weathered crude in the environment that is readily bio-degradable, said Steve Merritt, EPA On-Scene Coordinator. “The oil is weathering as we expected it would. We remain committed to not do more harm than good as we continue to work our way through the cleanup areas.”
EPA has also posted an Agricultural Fact Sheet at the spill website, which was made in conjunction with local, regional, and national experts in an Agricultural Impact Subcommittee. This fact sheet provides guidance to landowners along the impacted sections of the Yellowstone River.
BACKGROUND: At
approximately 11:00 PM on Friday, July 1 a break occurred in a
12-inch pipeline owned by ExxonMobil that resulted in a spill of
crude oil into the Yellowstone River approximately 20 miles
upstream of Billings, Montana. EPA's primary concern is protecting
people's health and the environment. EPA will remain on-site to
ensure cleanup and restoration efforts do just that. EPA continues
to hold ExxonMobil, the responsible party, accountable for
assessment and cleanup.
Press inquiries: [email protected]
Please visit http://www.epa.gov/yellowstoneriverspill
for the latest information, data, and
maps.
The Montana DEQ encourages people to call the
Governor’s information line at 406-657-0231 with questions,
concerns or comments, or visit www.yellowstoneriveroilspill.mt.gov.