Exxon Mobil Restarts Failed Silvertip Pipeline

Exxon Mobil officials say a failed pipeline that spilled an estimated 42,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone River has restarted after federal officials approved repairs meant to prevent another accident.

Company officials say that oil started flowing through the Silvertip pipeline on Saturday. Officials declined to say at what time oil started flowing or if the line is running at full capacity.

A quarter-mile segment of the 12-inch pipeline was replaced by drilling a new passage an estimated 60 to 70 feet beneath the riverbed.

The 20-year-old line broke near Laurel on July 1 after flooding scoured the river bottom and exposed the pipe, buried just five feet deep in some areas. Released oil fouled dozens of miles of riverbank and was blamed for killing wildlife.

Associated Press