EPA: Tulsa Pipeline Company To Pay Fine For 2008 Gasoline Spill

NewsOn6.com

OOLOGAH, OK -- A Tulsa-based pipeline company has agreed to pay a $418,000 fine over violations of the federal Clean Water Act.  

The EPA announced in a news release that Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P. agreed to pay the fine this week. 

According to a consent decree, on January 5, 2008, approximately 1,075 barrels (45,150 gallons) of gasoline leaked from Magellan's 12-inch distribution pipeline near Oologah. 

The gasoline reached Four Mile Creek, a tributary of the Verdigris River, which flows into Lake Oologah.  Lake Oologah is a source of drinking water for multiple communities, including Tulsa.

The EPA says the cause of the pipeline leak was a failed weld at a coupling point.   

"Pipeline owners and operators must ensure necessary steps are taken to minimize the potential of fuel spills," said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz.  "EPA will pursue those who fail to comply with laws that protect our nation's waters." 

The EPA says the fine for this spill will be deposited in the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.  The trust fund is used to pay for federal response activities and to compensate for damages when there is a discharge of oil or hazardous substances to waters of the United States.