EPA Passing Lead On Exxon Spill Cleanup To Montana

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to relinquish oversight of Exxon Mobil's 1,000-barrel oil spill into the Yellowstone River, leaving the state to coordinate the remainder of the cleanup.

EPA's personnel in Montana could be gone by the end of the week, although the agency will continue monitoring the cleanup.

EPA on-scene coordinator Steve Merritt says Exxon Mobil workers have finished work on most river segments marred with crude from the July 1 pipeline break near Laurel. Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Claire Hassett said in an email Thursday to The Associated Press that the company intends to comply with the cleanup goals set by the state and has submitted its plan to do so.

Officials said cleanup work on five more river segments with heavy to moderate oil could be completed by Friday.

Story by AP