Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. CDT
- Repairs to the pipeline are completed and federal regulatory authorities have authorized restart of the pipeline. Crews continue to remove crude oil from the Cahokia diversion channel and other areas affected by the crude oil release. Boom will remain in place for an extended period of time at several locations along the channel to contain the crude. Boats are being used on the channel to assist in the retrieval of oil from the water.
- The updated estimate is that approximately 3,900 barrels has been released. As of Tuesday, March 15, at 8 a.m. Central Time, approximately 11,075 barrels of water and oil mixture has been recovered from the Cahokia diversion channel. Approximately 390 cubic yards of oily soil has been removed for proper disposal.
- Currently Marathon Pipe Line (MPL) is dedicating more than 270 employees and contractors to the response. The following equipment is both on site and on the way:
- 21 skimmers: equipment that remove oil from water
- 44 vacuum trucks: equipment that removes oil and water
- 3 tanker trucks, 32 tanks and 36 waste containers: to collect oily water and soil for processing and disposal
- 6 excavation equipment: to expose the pipeline and remove contaminated soil
- More than 4,550 feet of boom: to contain the oil on the water
Wildlife response update
- We take any impact to wildlife as a result of this crude oil release seriously. Since Friday, March 11, environmental remediation experts have brought resources and personnel on scene to actively engage in the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife that have been affected by oil. The spill area is being monitored 24 hours a day for impacted wildlife.
- Major improvements have been made to the rescue center where the impacted wildlife is being treated, including a new heating unit, and upgraded water filtration and heating systems.
- Additional expert wildlife rescue personnel have been called in to join the current team of expert consultants and environmental agencies tasked with the care and treatment of impacted wildlife
- Impacted wildlife being treated include seven ducks, one frog, one hawk, two beavers and three turtles. We regret to report that crews also found seven ducks, a heron, a muskrat and a frog deceased.
- We are using audible deterrent to keep any animals from entering the affected area.
- MPL is covering all expenses related to the wildlife rehabilitation effort and 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 302-363-5086 to report sightings of impacted wildlife.
- Federal agencies are conducting the investigation to determine the cause of the release.
- 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
- Please look to our previous updates for more information on the Edwardsville Response at mpcresponds.news.