GIRARD TOWNSHIP, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – Repairs on the British Petroleum gasoline pipeline in northern Branch County that broke and released about 8,400 gallons of gasoline on Tuesday night are expected to continue into next week.
Branch County Administrator Bud Norman gave out more information about the line on Thursday. He said it was constructed and installed in 1953 and delivers three million gallons of fuels per day. The line is inspected internally every three to five years and with an flyover inspection every 14 days.
Norman said the spill affected an area of about 30 by 50 feet and that air monitoring and private drinking water well assessments will continue for at least the next two days. He added, “excavation of the pipeline has resulted in identification of the location source of the leak, but the root cause of the leak remains under investigation. Excavation continues in preparation for repair. Soil sampling and removal will continue.”
According to Norman, it’s estimated the line will be repaired early next week and soil remediation will continue. The impacted soil is transported to one of two regulated landfill sites as determined by soil testing, either Heritage thermal treatment services in East Liverpool, Ohio or a local Republic landfill site for non-hazardous material.
The lead environmental agency overseeing spill cleanup has transitioned from EPA to EGLE. It’s expected Bell Road from Girard Road and County Line Road will be closed at least next Friday, October 27, 2023.
(Photo courtesy of Branch County Government)
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