Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. CDT
- The removal of crude oil from the Cahokia diversion channel continues. Boom has been placed at several locations along the channel to contain the spilled crude. Boats are now being deployed on the channel to assist in the retrieval of oil from the water.
- As of Sunday, March 13, at 7 p.m. Central Time, approximately 2,900 barrels of oil and water mixture has been recovered from the Cahokia diversion channel.
- Repair on the line is underway.
- There have been reports of odors near areas affected by the release, and air monitoring resources continue to be deployed in the area as a precaution. Air monitoring has detected no hazardous level of emissions.
- MPL is dedicating personnel and the following equipment to the response, which are both on site and on the way:
- 8 skimmers: equipment that remove oil from water
- 50 vacuum trucks: equipment that removes oil and water
- 3 tanker trucks: to store oily water for proper disposal
- 6 excavation equipment: to expose the pipeline and remove contaminated soil
- More than 4,000 feet of boom: to contain the oil on the water
- No injuries have been reported.
Wildlife resource and recovery efforts
- Expert resources have been called in to monitor the spill area and to help retrieve and treat wildlife that have been affected by oil. Expert consultants and environmental agencies have been engaged in the response to assist with care of impacted wildlife. Veterinary staff is on site to assist in the treatment of the animals.
- We have deployed audible deterrent to keep wildlife away from the affected area.
- MPL is providing all needed resources to recover and rehabilitate impacted wildlife. Volunteers are not needed at this time.
- If any member of the public encounters wildlife that has been impacted by oil, they should not approach the animals themselves, as they could be dangerous. Please call Madison County, Illinois, Conservation Officer Robert Liebl at 618-444-1540.
- The top priorities of the Edwardsville Response are to ensure the safety of responders, the community and to limit environmental impact as we respond to the release and conduct cleanup activities.
- An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the release.
- For updated information on the Edwardsville Response, go to mpcresponds.news.