Restricted Airspace Over Oil Spill Remains as Cleanup Continues

By Gordon HopkinsTC Energy, the company formerly known as TransCanada Corporation, has once again extended the expiration date of restricted airspace over the site of the record oil spill from the Keystone Pipeline System.The site of the spill remains off-limits to the public. A number of early news reports featured photos and video taken from a drone flying over the site. Since that time, airspace over the site has been restricted, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The restriction was originally scheduled to end Monday, December 19, but was later extended until Wednesday, December 21. It is now scheduled to expire Tuesday, December 27.FJN reached out to TC Energy and asked the reason for the restriction. A spoke person responded, “Clearing the airspace is critical for the safety and security of the pilots conducting ongoing monitoring as well as the working crew on the ground. Crews are working around the clock on the incident and need to be distraction-free.”When asked if the restriction is likely to be extended again, TC Energy said, “We will evaluate as we continue our response. Our focus continues to be the health and safety of on-site staff and personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating risk to the environment.”The company shut down the pipeline system the evening of Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in response to a confirmed release an estimated 14,000 barrels, or 588,000 gallons, of crude oil into Mill Creek near Washington, Kansas. The spill is approximately 20 miles south of Steele City, where a key junction for the pipeline is located.Progress of CleanupBoomers, skimmers, vacuum trucks continue to gather oil and place it in oils storage tanks on site so later it can possibly be trucked to commercial re-use facilities.As of Tuesday, December 20, TC Energy reports having recovered an estimated 7,599 barrels of oil from the creek (15,488 barrels of oil and water). Cold temperatures and anticipated winter weather may slow operations. TC Energy issued an update that said, in part, “We continue to prioritize the safety of people and the environment and will be working safely according to weather conditions.”Some equipment, such as skimmers will not be as effective in the cold weather.Currently, oversight of the cleanup is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At some point, oversight will transfer to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The EPA defers to state standards for final cleanup.Environmental ImpactOn Monday, December 19, TC Energy held a briefing. It was reported that five landowners have been directly affected by the spill and another nine indirectly affected. Those landowners have been contacted by TC Energy and advised how to file a claim.In addition, 71 fish and four mammals have reportedly died as a result of the spill.Hydrogen sulfide levels are being tested. TC Energy indicates none have been found thus far.As of press time, no cause for the spill has been cited. The investigation is ongoing.

Power Outage Not Due to Weather

Dry Conditions Lead to Moratorium on New Wells in Lower Big Blue NRD District

Related Articles

Sheriff’s Office Ramps Up Drug Arrests

Steele City Contracts With New Water Operator

Saturday Morning House Fire In Fairbury

VFW Search For Family Of Gold Star Recipient