E.P.A. Update on Yellowstone River Oil Spill (Silvertip Pipeline), August 5th, 2011

E.P.A. 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) E.P.A. 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.

E.P.A. sampling results for air, water, soil, and sediment data are now accessible on the E.P.A. spill website. Results and a fact sheet on the crude oil samples are accessible as well.

"The data tells us that we have weathered crude in the environment that is readily bio-degradable, said Steve Merritt, E.P.A. 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."

E.P.A. 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 one 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. E.P.A. will remain on-site to ensure cleanup and restoration efforts do just that. E.P.A. 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.

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