TC Energy, EPA Reach Agreement on Oil Spill Cleanup

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now overseeing the clean up of an oil spill that released an estimated 14,000 barrels of oil (588,000 gallons) from a ruptured pipeline over land and into Mill Creek in Kansas, which subsequently violated the federal Clean Water Act.TC Oil Pipeline Operations Inc. has entered into an agreement with the EPA to clean up the oil leak that occurred December 7 in Washington County, Kansas, as a result of a rupture in a section of the Keystone Pipeline. TC Energy, the company formerly known as TransCanada Corporation, is the parent company to TC Oil Pipeline Operations Inc.“EPA is grateful to the hundreds of EPA and other federal, state, and local agency personnel who quickly responded to this emergency,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “The federal government and the state of Kansas are committed to a thorough cleanup and restoration of the impacted area.”In the cleanup order, finalized January 6, EPA asserts that the oil-impacted surface water in Mill Creek at least three-and-a-half miles downstream resulted in vegetation staining near the pipeline rupture, caused a visible sheen on the water, and significantly affected fish and wildlife.The order requires TC Oil Pipeline Operations to recover oil and oil-contaminated soil and vegetation and contain the further spread of oil in Mill Creek. All work required under the order to abate the endangerment identified in the order will be completed under EPA oversight.The Keystone Pipeline is a 2,687-mile liquid oil pipeline system between Hardisty, Alberta, Canada, and Port Arthur, Texas. The breach occurred in a section of the pipeline that stretches from Steele City, Nebraska, to Cushing, Oklahoma, which was completed in 2011.As of press time, no cause has been given for the leak.Remediation and Community Giving PlansIn addition, TC Energy has announced some remediation and community giving plans.Washington, Kansas, emergency crews have received high marks from both TC Energy and local government officials for their work in the early days of the oil spill. Earlier this month, TC Energy announced, “To demonstrate our appreciation for the Washington County emergency responders and their rapid action and support during our initial response, we are giving $7,500 toward mobile and radio equipment. This will enhance the communication and response capabilities of the Washington County emergency responders.”Build Strong, TC Energy's community giving program, donates to non-profits, registered charities, associations, municipalities and other organizations. TC Energy announced on January 3 its intention to expand the program to include the Washington County Hospital, “As of today, the public will now have the opportunity to contribute with 100 percent matching from TC Energy’s Build Strong Program.”

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