Oil pipeline leaks into wildlife refuge

An oil pipeline has leaked at some 18 000 gallons (68 100 l) of crude oil into the Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana, USA. The pipeline is owned by Cypress Pipe Line Co., a joint venture between Chevron and BP Plc.

The oil leaked into a canal 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Venice, Louisiana.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the spill. However, it is suspected that a barge working for Exxon Mobil Corp., which was driving long pipes called ‘spuds’ to anchor the barge in place, may have accidentally hit the pipeline.

Chevron has shut down the affected section of pipeline and is trying to minimise environmental impact. In addition, the Coast Guard and state environmental investigators are assessing the impact of the leak, and monitoring cleanup efforts from aircraft and boats.

The Delta National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 and is located at the mouth of the Mississippi River. It is home to hundreds of thousands of snow geese, coots and ducks. The refuge is also home to several endangered and threatened species; include the American alligator, the brown pelican, the Arctic peregrine falcon and the piping plover.

So far, no wildlife has been found covered with, or affected by the oil.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/12042010/oil_pipeline_leaks_into_wildlife_refuge/