EPA update on Yellowstone River oil spill (Silvertip Pipeline), July 21, 2011 (MT)
EPA update on Yellowstone River
oil spill (Silvertip Pipeline), July 21, 2011
Lisa McClain-Vanderpool, (303)
501-4027, (
[email protected]); Wendy Thomi, (406) 351-9014
(Billings, Mont --, July 21, 2011)
ExxonMobil Pipeline Co. cleanup crews have completed the initial
stage of work on 4 of the 25 originally identified spill sites.
These sites were targeted due to large quantities of easily
accessed debris and vegetation. To date, crews have completed
assessment of over 1200 acres in and along the river
corridor.
A heavy lift helicopter (an S-61) was
tested in preparation for moving small pieces of equipment, such as
bobcats, chippers and small dumpsters to the islands to support
upcoming island cleanup efforts.
Today 7 members of the Crow Nation
visited the cleanup site and received a tour of site activities and
an explanation of Unified Command. The Crow Nation members will be
involved in all aspects of the process, including SCAT,
consolidated cleanup recommendations, and sign-off. At
EPA’s request, ExxonMobil Pipeline Co. will provide health
and safety training to the Crow Nation members so they can fully
participate in the response.
PLEASE NOTE: After Friday’s media briefing
at 3:00, the next media call will take place on Wednesday, July
27th at 3:00 MDT. There will be no calls over the weekend. If
there are any new developments, we will send out a media
advisory. For conference call dial-in information please
contact Wendy Thomi listed above. We will continue to post the
latest information including monitoring data and progress on
clean-up and restoration as it becomes available on our website,
epa.gov/yellowstoneriverspill.
BACKGROUND: At approximately 11:00 PM
on Friday, July 1 a break occurred in a 12-inch pipeline owned by
ExxonMobil Pipeline Co. that resulted in a spill of crude oil into
the Yellowstone River approximately 20 miles upstream of Billings,
Montana. The current estimate of the amount of oil released remains
at 1,000 barrels based on information provided by ExxonMobil
Pipeline Co. 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 Pipeline Co., the responsible party, accountable for
assessment and cleanup.
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 or stop into the Governor’s Billings office at 424
Morey Street or visit www.yellowstoneriveroilspill.mt.gov.