Environment and Natural Resources
For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 30, 2004
For More Information: Mark Prewitt, Kaneb Pipe Line, (316) 773-9000 or Kim McIntosh, SD DENR, (605) 773-3296

DENR Investigating Petroleum Release near Woonsocket

PIERRE – The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is investigating a petroleum release from a Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P. pipeline approximately 2½ miles north of Woonsocket in Sanborn County.

Kaneb reported the release to the DENR and other state agencies on Wednesday after gasoline odors were detected in the area by Kaneb officials. DENR environmental investigators were immediately sent to the site.

Indications of a potential release were first identified by Kaneb’s pipeline control center Tuesday afternoon when a pipeline monitoring station indicated flow had stopped at the Wolsey Terminal at 1:35 p.m. At approximately the same time, the Woonsocket Pump Station was shut down due to low pressure in the line.  Remote-controlled valves at Woonsocket Pump Station and Wolsey Terminal were then closed to isolate the line.

Kaneb staff was immediately dispatched to the pump station area to investigate. Staff moved along the pipeline to check for a release area. A helicopter was also dispatched to the area for aerial observation.  Local residences near the isolated pipeline were notified Tuesday evening of a potential release and provided Kaneb contact information.

Kaneb’s emergency response personnel identified an area with petroleum odor early Wednesday morning.  Response contractors were called to the site Wednesday morning to expose the damaged portion of the pipeline so repair work could begin.  The pipeline was capped Wednesday night and final repairs will be done Thursday.  

The DENR will oversee cleanup efforts. Kaneb will be required to drill test holes to determine the size of the contaminated area and better identify the geology of the area. Contaminated soils will be excavated and taken to a permitted facility. If further remediation of the site is necessary to meet state cleanup standards, Kaneb will develop and implement further remediation plans.

The nearest residence is approximately three-quarters of a mile from the release site.

The cause of the release is under investigation. Kaneb officials estimate that approximately 10,500 gallons may have been released from the line.

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