(Image source: Billings Gazette)
BY TRACY PFEIFFER
ANCHOR AUSTIN KIM
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The cause of an oil spill in Montana is under investigation as crews attempt to clean an undetermined amount of the substance from the Yellowstone River.
ANCHOR, FOX NEWS: “As much as a thousand barrels of oil spilled into the Yellowstone River Friday after an Exxon Mobile pipe burst. …Exxon Mobile says it deeply regrets the release and is helping to mitigate any damage.”
Reports say some 200 to 300 people were initially evacuated from nearby Laurel, Montana, due to the oil’s odor -- but they were allowed to return on Saturday. (Video: Billings Gazette)
Although the cause of the burst is still under investigation -- CNN explains -- officials believe high waters had something to do with it.
“Heavy rains and a melting snowpack have caused the river to run high. The Yellowstone River was at 13.51 feet Saturday evening; flood stage is 13 feet.”
An Exxon Mobile spokesperson said - the company’s response will quote- “reflect the magnitude” of their regret over the incident. One rep lays out the plan in a press conference.
PAM MALEK, EXXON MOBILE: “The pipeline has been shut down and preliminary information to us is the leak has been stopped. Oil spill response efforts are underway. We’re working with emergency responders …We do have our global response team. It’s mobilized out of Houston. And they will be coming here to support us in this effort.” (Billings Gazette)
But for one local resident -- it’s troubling that the spill occurred at all.
“This is the Yellowstone River. I try to be a citizen of the river. It’s heartbreaking. It’s heartbreaking, man. …Who’sever responsible better start cleaning up the Yellowstone River. …It’s the Yellowstone River in Montana, and we’re all proud of it.” (KTVQ)
Cleanup crews have been laying down oil-absorbent pads -- and hope the high waters will wash more of the oil ashore, rather than down the river.
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