Pipeline Spill And Explosion Lead to Review Of Pipeline Water Crossings

A recent oil spill in Montana that dumped 1,000 barrels of oil into the Yellowstone River has prompted officials to review pipeline water crossings across Wyoming and Montana. Officials have also been busy investigating a pipeline explosion that occurred last week near Gillette.

The long winter's accrued snowpack caused much of the state to encounter flooding and high water levels. After reviewing major river pipeline crossings Wyoming officials report that so far all oil, gas, and other pipelines are problem free.

The Exxon Mobil pipeline spill in Montana spilled 1,000 barrels of oil into Yellowstone River. According to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the Wyoming Pipeline Authority, all major river pipeline crossings in the state are in good condition. Wyoming's last pipeline failure came in the 1980's. That failure spilled gasoline into the North Platte River and killed a large number of fish.

A pipeline explosion last week near Gillette has also lead to an investigation as to how the immense blast occured. After an initial investigation the company who owns the Bison Pipeline stated that something hit the pipeline. The item that hit the pipeline on July 20th caused a large rupture.

After repairs are completed the TransCanada Corporation will have to get permission from federal regulators to once again send gas through the pipeline.