Silvertip Pipeline Incident
Fact Sheet
July 6,2011
This fact sheet describes the federal
response to an oil spill in the Yellowstone
River near Billings, Montana.
What happened?
At approximately 11:00 PM Friday, Julyl,
2011, a break occurred in a 12-inch pipeline
under the Yellowstone River 20 miles upstream
from Billings, Montana. The ruptured pipeline
is owned by ExxonMobil Pipeline Company.
According to the company, an estimated 1,000
barrels of oil entered the river before the
pipeline was closed. The company has shut
down the pipeline.
How far has the oil spread downstream?
An aerial assessment by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service personnel identified oil
deposited along the river bank, and pools of oil
in backwaters and eddies along the north and
south banks of the river. Evidence of oil was
visible along the river for 45 miles downstream
from the location where the pipeline broke,
near Laurel, Montana.
What action is being taken to contain and
cleanup the oil spill?
EPA is leading the response in close
coordination with the state of Montana and
other federal agencies. In that role, we are
directing and overseeing cleanup activities.
EPA has mobilized 50 emergency responders in
addition to U. S. Coast Guard personnel from
the Pacific Strike Team. In all, there are
approximately 440 responders including those
from ExxonMobil, the company responsible for
the spill, on-site to assist in cleanup and
minimize any potential health and environmental
impacts from the spill.
The river has been divided into 4 sections for the
purposes of responding to the spill. The first two
sections encompass the 20 miles of river
immediately downstream of the spill. EPA
response crews and ExxonMobil crews overseen
by EPA and the US Coast Guard are focusing
initial cleanup efforts on these sections of the
river.
Personnel are walking the shores and deploying
absorbent booms and mats along the river banks
to absorb oil that has pooled in slow water areas
along the shore line. The absorbent material is
then collected and properly disposed of.
EPA is collecting water samples along the river
for water quality analysis and monitoring air
quality.
EPA is coordinating its response actions with the
Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
and state and local agencies and will take all steps
necessary to ensure that ExxonMobil, as the
responsible party, addresses any and all potential
impacts of this spill.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
will determine the cause of the pipeline failure.
Have there been impacts to wildlife?
This stretch of the Yellowstone River is home to
the Pallid Sturgeon, an endangered fish species.
Its banks also serve as nesting areas for migratory
birds. If residents see birds covered with oil, they
should call Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks at
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406- 247-2940 or the Wildlife Hotline at 800-
259-0596.
Is drinking water affected?
Downstream water systems were notified soon
after the spill and closed their intakes. EPA is
working with municipal drinking water systems
to test water quality in the river near their
intakes to confirm no residual oil in the water
systems.
How can residents protect themselves from
oil-contaminated water?
Here are some tips residents can follow to
protect themselves from exposure to the spilled
oil:
• Pay attention to local authorities and
avoid areas affected by the oil spill. The
oil could cause health problems,
including skin and eye irritation or
breathing problems.
• Keep your pets from entering oil-
contaminated areas.
• If you get contaminated water on your
skin, wash it off immediately with soap
and water or a hand cleanser meant to
remove oils and grease.
• If you accidentally drink some oil-
contaminated water and symptoms such
as nausea, vomiting or dizziness occur,
seek medical attention.
How has the oil spill affected the air?
Some people have noticed a strong odor near
the area where the pipeline ruptured and along
the river and backwaters impacted by the spill.
We would expect that these odors would
decrease as more of the spilled oil is recovered.
If you smell a "gas-station-like" odor, you may
be smelling volatile organic compounds, or
VOCs. The VOCs in oils are benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene and xylene. EPA has begun air
sampling using real-time monitors that look for
VOCs and hydrogen sulfide in the divisions
where cleanup is occurring. No detectable levels
of these compounds were seen. We are also
deploying additional air samplers at specific
locations to ensure the continued protection of the
community and emergency responders.
Is the odor dangerous?
It is important to understand that people are able
to smell some VOCs and other oil-related
chemicals at levels much lower than would cause
long-term health problems. Some of the
chemicals that cause odors may cause headaches,
dizziness, nausea or vomiting. If you are sensitive
to these chemicals, stay indoors. If possible, close
windows and doors, turn your air conditioner on
and set it to a recirculation mode. If you have
severe nausea or other medical issues, please see
your health care provider as soon as possible.
Where can I get more information?
EPA, other Federal responders and the company
update local government and the media regularly.
Stay tuned to your local radio and television
stations and newspaper web pages for the most up
to date information on the response.
For more information:
Visit EPA's web site:
http://epa.gov/yellowstoneriverspill
EPA Public inquiries: 303-312-6015
(8:00 AM-4:00 PM Weekdays)
EPA Media: 406-351-9014
County Unified Health www.riverstonehealth.org
Vendors: J.C. Harris, ExxonMobil: 832-457-
7225
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