A rupture in an Exxon Mobile pipeline that runs under the Yellowstone River in Montana ruptured and dumped tens of thousands of barrels of oil. The spill has forced water intakes downstream to close.
According to a report by NBC news at www.nbcnews.com the pipe broke about 11:30 p.m. Friday, and leaked for a half-hour.
The cause of the rupture isn't known yet, but some experts believe that debris from the recent flooding may have caused the spill. Brent Peters, the fire chief for the city of Laurel stated that 'the break in the 12-inch diameter pipe occurred about a mile south of Laurel. Crews shut down the pipeline about half an hour later.'
Hundreds were evacuated around12:15 a.m. Saturday because emergency crews feared a possible explosion and dangerous fumes.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Sen. Max Baucus called for immediate cleanup. Exxon Mobile said it is sending a North American Regional Response team to help with the cleanup.
In a press release Exxon Mobile "The company deeply regrets this release and is working hard with local emergency authorities to mitigate the impacts of this release on the surrounding communities and to the environment."
Oil washed ashore from Laurel to Pompeys Pillar, a distance of nearly 50 miles by Saturday afternoon. The spill continues to move east. Yellowstone River has no dams on its confluence with the Missouri River so at this time it is unclear how far the spill may travel.
Cleanup crews have set out an absorbent material along short stretches of the river in Billings.
Exxon has set up a toll free number for people to call with questions and concerns. 1-888-382-0043
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