MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Federal transportation officials have ordered a Houston-based energy transportation company not to re-open a pipeline after it ruptured and leaked oil into a Wisconsin field.
Enbridge Energy Partners operates the 427-mile pipeline, which carries crude oil to Chicago-area refineries. The pipeline ruptured on Friday afternoon, spilling about 1,200 barrels worth of oil into an Adams County field.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced Tuesday it has blocked the company from restarting the pipeline until it submits a restart plan, analyzes the failed pipe and brings in an independent evaluator to investigate. U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood says he plans to meet with Enbridge leaders about the spill.
Enbridge media officials didn't immediately return telephone and email messages Tuesday.