Freeman, South Dakota – TransCanada continues to make progress in its investigation to locate the source of oil on the Keystone Pipeline right-of-way. A representative reports the company has completed the initial modelling and have provided to regulators an estimate of the potential volume of 400 barrels.
The volume estimate reported this morning to the National Response Centre (NRC) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) was based on the safe excavation of soil to expose more than 100 feet of pipe. It takes into account a number of factors, including oil observed in the soil and the potential area impacted.
On-site crews of approximately 100 continue to work around the clock with regulators on the site approximately four miles (six kilometres) from its Freeman pump station in Hutchinson County, South Dakota. According to the Trans-Canada representative, these specialists continue to affirm the incident is being controlled and there is no significant environmental impact observed and no threat to public safety.
TransCanada has taken this incident very seriously and is working with federal and state regulatory agencies. Members of PHMSA are on site and monitoring progress. Other state agencies are on site frequently.
According to reports, frequent updates are provided to impacted landowners, the community and regulators and other agencies to ensure they are aware of the progress.
UPDATE Sunday, April 10, 2016:
Keystone Pipeline re-started
Freeman, South Dakota (Sunday, April 10, 2016) – Today, TransCanada began a safe and controlled re-start of the Keystone Pipeline after being authorized by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
As part of the return-to-service plan approved by PHMSA, TransCanada is operating the pipeline at a reduced pressure.
TransCanada continues to conduct aerial patrols and visual inspections of the site.
The re-start comes after around-the-clock operations and excavation identified a small leak approximately four miles (six kilometres) from the Freeman pump station in Hutchinson County, South Dakota.
Clean up and land restoration has already started and will continue over the coming days.