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Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer swears to hold Exxon Responsible for Pipeline Rupture
On Friday, July 1st, 2011, an Exxon pipeline, which stretched across the Yellowstone River in Montana and normally carried 40,000 barrels of crude oil a day to a refinery in Billings, broke. For almost an hour, oil rushed into the river.
Montana governor Brian Schweitzer remarked that he will stay on Exxon Mobil “like the smell on a skunk” to insure that they do their job to clean up the spill.
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Robin Greenwald, head of our Environmental Unit, has extensive experience working with communities looking to regroup after their towns have been devasted by oil spills and pollution. During her time at the Department of Justice, she helped people affected by the Exxon Bayway ruptured pipeline, and the Colonial Pipeline burst in Greensboro. She is currently serving on the BP Plaintiff Steering Committee, and working as an attorney in Weitz & Luxenberg’s Environmental Pollutants division.
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How much oil spilled into the Yellowstone River?
Approximately 1,000 barrels of crude oil leaked into the Yellowstone River. The oil has now traveled beyond the Montana state limits.
"At seven miles per hour, some oil is already in North Dakota. That's a given," said Governor Schweitzer. The governor is asking everyone to report what they see in the river as an indication as to how far the oil has spread.
Exxon and government officials are working to contain the spill, but there is still fear that the oil could make its way into the river's fishery.
How did the Exxon pipeline rupture?
The Department of Transportation’s Secretary Ray LaHood said that "the investigation into this incident is ongoing…when companies are not living up to our safety standards, we will take action. We will continue to work with the EPA, while ensuring that those responsible are held accountable."
Although the exact cause is still uncertain, Reuters reports that heavy river flow following the spring rain may have caused erosion of the pipeline.
Sources
http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/49290/group/Montana/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/06/us-oilspill-montana-idUSTRE7646DX20110706
see also:
Yellowstone River Oil Spill
Yellowstone River Oil Spill? We han help you file an Exxon lawsuit.Did the Yellowstone River Oil Spill destroy your property and expose you to toxic chemicals? File a lawsuit today!
Exxon Mobil Response Time
Exxon Mobil response time to oil pipeline rupture twice as long as officials initially claimedExxon Mobil's response time to the burst Montana Pipeline is subject to controversy. Visit Weitz & Luxenberg to learn more about your legal options.
Montana Oil Spill
The Exxon Montana Oil Spill of 2011: a Fourth of July disasterMontana Oil Spill: The Exxon Pipeline Rupture Spilled 1000 barrels of oil into the Yellowstone River. Weitz & Luxenberg can help.
