UPDATED: Possible Keystone pipeline leak in South Dakota investigated by TransCanada

Keystone pipeline shut down after oil seen on ground in South Dakota

 

UDPATE from Transcanada 7:30 p.m. EST: Freeman, South Dakota – TransCanada crews continue to investigate the source of what appears to be a small potential leak along the Keystone pipeline right-of-way approximately four miles (six kilometres) from its Freeman pump station in Hutchinson County, South Dakota.

TransCanada crews on site reported no change in the overall footprint of the visible oil on a small surface area – 10×30 foot area — and continue efforts to safely excavate soil to analyze the pipe.

Crews – including TransCanada specialists from engineering, environmental management, safety as well as contracted, nationally recognized experts will continue to work 24/7 to assess the incident.  TransCanada will continue to provide State and Federal regulators such as PHMSA with accurate and confirmed information and ensure they are fully aware of all of TransCanada’s plans and activities.

TransCanada appreciates the collaborative support of local officials and commissioners in Hutchinson County, as well as local landowners who have given permission to access lands for assessment, identification and clean-up activities.

We have been keeping our shippers and customers up to date and have communicated that the pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta to Cushing, Oklahoma and to Wood River/Patoka, Illinois is expected to remain shut down through the end of the week. This does not affect the Marketlink pipeline system, which uses the facilities of the southern leg of the Keystone system from Cushing to the Gulf Coast.

Finally we would like to thank local media for the respectful and professional manner in which they have covered this story, while allowing our crews space to continue the work.

The potential incident was first reported at approximately 12:30 p.m. CST (11:30 a.m. MST) on April 2, 2016. TransCanada immediately began the process to shut down the pipeline, activate its emergency response procedures and dispatch ground crews to assess the situation.

No significant impact to the environment has been observed and there is no threat to public safety or security.

UDPATE from Transcanada: Freeman, South Dakota – TransCanada is currently investigating a potential incident along its Keystone pipeline right-of-way approximately four miles (six kilometres) from its Freeman pump station in Hutchinson County, South Dakota.

The potential incident was first reported at approximately 12:30 p.m. CST (11:30 a.m. MST) on April 2, 2016. TransCanada immediately began the process to shut down the pipeline, activate its emergency response procedures and dispatch ground crews to assess the situation. Crews initially found visible signs of oil on a small surface area.

TransCanada is in the process of removing the oil and investigating the source. No significant impact to the environment has been observed and our investigation continues.

Landowners and local agencies in the area have been notified and we continue to work cooperatively with all parties.

Regulatory agencies have been notified and we are working cooperatively on the investigation.

TransCanada will provide regular updates to the appropriate regulatory and government agencies as we continue with clean-up efforts.

Keystone customers have been notified the pipeline will remain shut down while TransCanada continues these efforts.

TransCanada says it encourages local residents seeking more information to contact it by telephone or email: Community Information Line: 1-855-895-8754  Community_Relations@Transcanada.com

CALGARY _ TransCanada says it has shut down its Keystone pipeline in South Dakota while it investigates a possible oil spill.

The company (TSX:TRP) says crews found “visible signs of oil” on the ground on April 2 and immediately began to shut down the pipeline.

It said it is working to clean up the oil and investigate the source.

TransCanada says the oil was found on a small surface area and that no significant impact to the environment has been observed.

Landowners and local agencies in the area have been notified, as have regulatory agencies.

The company says it has also notified customers that the pipeline will remain shut down while the investigation and cleanup continue.

The Canadian Press.