NTSB Press Release: Photos of Michigan Pipeline Rupture
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
August 8, 2010
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NTSB RELEASES PHOTOS OF
PIPELINE OIL SPILL IN MICHIGAN
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The National Transportation Safety Board today released the following photographs of the pipeline that ruptured and spilled oil into a river last week in Marshall, Michigan.
On the evening of Sunday, July 25th, a 30-inch crude oil pipeline, operated by Enbridge Energy Partners/Pipeline, experienced multiple low pressure alarms near the Marshall City Pump station during a planned shutdown. By 11:45am (EDT) the following morning Enbridge employees confirmed an oil leak extending into nearby Talmadge creek, a tributary to the Kalamazoo River.
Two sections of the pipe, 23 feet, 4-inches and another 26 feet, 10-inches, have arrived at the NTSB for further examination.
The photographs show the length of the fracture which extends approximately 6 1/2 feet longitudinally with the widest portion of the opening measuring 4 1/2-inches. The fracture was located approximately 25 feet from the upstream joint in a 40 foot section of 30-inch pipe.
The photographs may be viewed by clicking on the following link http://ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2010/100807.html
The NTSB’s investigation continues.