COLDWATER, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Bud Norman has released more details about Tuesday night’s large break in a gasoline pipeline near Girard.
He says a British Petroleum 10 inch pipeline that runs from Whiting, Indiana to River Rouge, Michigan experienced a release of gasoline at about 9:30 p.m..
BP received alarms and the line in northern Branch County was shut down about three minutes later.
Nearby residents were forced to evacuate. As of midday Wednesday, there was no word as to when they will be allowed to return to their homes.
The Environmental Protecton Agency, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Michigan State Police, the Branch County Sheriff, Emergency Management, and fire assets were still at the site on Wednesday afternoon.
Norman says about 8,400 gallons are believed to have been discharged. Operations include recovery of the spilled gasoline and removal of contaminated soil.
Air monitoring is being conducted by responders to ensure safety to site personnel and the public.
The testing of soil and drinking water wells is expected as soon as possible.
Norman adds about 3,000 gallons of gasoline has been recovered from inside the pipe and the operation was continuing on Wednesday afternoon. No additional product has been seen flowing from the pipe to the environment.
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