Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 5 p.m. CDT
- Marathon Pipe Line 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.
- While comprehensive remediation and restoration work continues in the affected area, the public is asked to avoid the recovery zone for the safety of the responders, the community and to limit environmental impact.
- A Unified Command remains in place to respond to the Edwardsville crude oil release. The Unified Command consists of representatives from:
- the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
- the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency,
- the Edwardsville Fire Department,
- and Marathon Pipe Line.
- Repairs to the pipeline were completed Tuesday and federal regulatory agencies authorized restart of the pipeline.
- As of Wednesday, March 16, at 8 a.m. Central Time, approximately 2,440 cubic yards of oily soil has been removed for proper disposal. Recovery of water and oil mixture continues from the Cahokia diversion channel.
- The response team is prepared to continue operations in the event of rain. Conditions will be monitored to ensure safety of the response crews, the public and the environment. We are working with all responding agencies to coordinate operations during any upcoming weather events.
Wildlife response update
- MPL takes 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 owl, one frog, one hawk, one carp, one snake, two beavers and three turtles. We regret to report that crews also found eight ducks, a heron, a muskrat and a frog deceased.
- Audible deterrent is being using 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 and the community and to limit environmental impact as Unified Command responds to the release and conduct cleanup activities.
- Please look to previous updates for more information on the Edwardsville Response at mpcresponds.news.