Exxon Mobil estimates Montana Oil Spill Will Cost $42M

Exxon Mobil Pipeline Co. has told federal regulators that its oil pipeline spill into Montana's Yellowstone River will cost an estimated $42.6 million. That figure was included in documents obtained Monday by The Associated Press as a result of a public information request submitted to federal pipeline regulators. The July 1 pipeline break near Laurel spilled an estimated 42,000 gallons, or 1,000 barrels, of crude oil into the scenic waterway Exxon Mobil's cost estimate includes $40 million for emergency response work and $2.5 million for damage to public and private property. The company valued the lost oil at $100,000. About 1,000 people are involved in mopping up the spill, which fouled dozens of miles of riverbank. Exxon Mobil said last week the cleanup may continue for several more months.

Story by  The Associated Press