RSPA 19-02
Friday, July 5, 2002      
Contact: Jim Mitchell
Joe Delcambre
Telephone: 202-366-4831 

 
USDOT Orders Corrective Action in Minnesota Oil Pipeline Spill 

  The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation today took immediate action to ensure that an oil pipeline that ruptured in northern Minnesota will remain shut down until it is safe to restart. 

A break in an oil pipeline operated by Enbridge Energy Partners early Thursday, spilled crude oil near Cohasset, Itasca County, MN. 

“While it is important that this pipeline be returned to service quickly, we must first know the cause of the spill and be satisfied that it can be operated safely,” said Ellen G. Engleman, RSPA administrator.

Under a corrective action order issued today by RSPA’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), the pipeline operator will have to determine why the pipeline failed and develop a repair plan, or demonstrate that it can operate safely, before OPS permits operations to resume. RSPA has sent investigators to the scene.

RSPA has public responsibilities for safe and secure movement of hazardous materials to industry and consumers by all transportation modes, including the nation=s pipelines, as well as the safe and secure operation of liquid natural gas facilities; rapid response to transportation emergencies by government agencies; and applying science and technology to meet national transportation needs. 

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Briefing Room