FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHMSA 02-25
Contact: PHMSAPublicAffairs@dot.gov 
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has dispatched a total of 8 inspectors to investigate the pipeline rupture. Six inspectors are on site in North Dakota, and 2 inspectors are stationed at the operator’s control room in Calgary to conduct interviews. 
 
An estimated 3,500 barrels of product has been released. The operator of the pipeline is responsible for clearing up the spill. Thus far, 910 barrels have been cleared. 
 
PHMSA investigators have accessed the site of the failure and are working to determine the cause of the rupture. Our investigation is ongoing and will determine what corrective action and enforcement measures are necessary. The operator will clear a path to bring in heavy equipment and excavate the site of the failure. That segment of pipe will then be removed and sent to a lab for metallurgical analysis to help us determine the cause of the failure. 
 
Earlier today, the operator sent a letter to PHMSA voluntarily committing to full cooperation with our investigation and pledging a series of corrective measures. Those measures include a commitment not to restart the pipeline without prior approval from PHMSA.
 

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