TransCanada operates network of pipelines extending over 91,500 kilometres
TransCanada crews safely shut down its Keystone pipeline at approximately 6 a.m. CST (5 a.m. MST) after a drop in pressure was detected in its operating system resulting from an oil leak that is under investigation, according to a press release.
This comes just days before the Nebraska public service commission will announce its decision on the Keystone pipeline, Nov. 20.
The commission is charged with weighing whether the project is in the public interest of Nebraskans, but is barred from considering environmental issues because the pipeline already has an environmental permit, according to Reuters.
The estimated volume of the leak is approximately 5,000 barrels. The section of pipe along a right-of-way approximately 35 miles (56 kilometres) south of the Ludden pump station in Marshall County, South Dakota was completely isolated within 15 minutes and emergency response procedures were activated.
Crews, including TransCanada specialists from emergency management, engineering, environmental management and safety as well as contracted, nationally recognized experts are assessing the situation, according to the release.
TransCanada says they are providing State and Federal regulators, including the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the National Response Center, with accurate and confirmed information on an ongoing basis.
TransCanada says they appreciate the collaborative support of local officials, emergency response personnel and commissioners in Marshall County, as well as the landowner who has given permission to access land for assessment, identification and clean-up activities.
They claim to be keeping 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 as they respond to the incident.
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.
TransCanada says the safety of the public and environment are the top priorities and they will continue to provide updates as they become available.
TransCanada operates a network of natural gas pipelines that extends more than 91,500 kilometres (56,900 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America.
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