Keystone Pipeline Oil Spill Traced to Critical Fatigue Crack in North Dakota

A significant oil spill from the Keystone Pipeline in North Dakota was caused by a fatigue crack. The incident released thousands of barrels of crude oil onto farmland near Fort Ransom. It happened on April 8 this year.

The pipeline operator, South Bow, confirmed the cause in a recent quarterly report. Initial findings point to a crack that developed over time along a manufactured weld. The company stated the pipe and welds met all required industry standards.

Spill Cleanup Costs and Federal Investigation Underway

The financial impact of the spill is substantial. South Bow reported spill-related costs total approximately $55 million. The company expects insurance to cover these costs early next year.

The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is leading the investigation. They have ordered several corrective actions. A full root cause analysis was delayed by a federal government shutdown and its release date remains unclear.

Extensive Environmental Cleanup and Land Recovery Efforts

The response to the spill was immediate and large-scale. An estimated 3,500 barrels of oil spilled, impacting roughly five acres of land. South Bow deployed over 200 workers and vacuum trucks to the site.

Cleanup efforts were largely successful. Nearly 90% of the spilled oil was recovered. According to state regulators, the vegetation on the affected farmland is now recovering well.

The recent Keystone Pipeline oil spill highlights ongoing challenges in critical energy infrastructure maintenance. Authorities continue to monitor the long-term environmental impact.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the Keystone Pipeline spill?

The spill was caused by a fatigue crack. This crack originated along the pipe’s long-seam weld. It developed from stress over time.

How much oil was spilled in North Dakota?

An estimated 3,500 barrels of oil were released. That is equivalent to 147,000 gallons. The spill affected about five acres of farmland.

Was the pipeline spill cleaned up successfully?

Yes, the cleanup was largely successful. Crews recovered nearly 90% of the spilled oil. The landowner was able to replant his soybean crop on the site.

How long was the Keystone Pipeline shut down?

The pipeline was shut down for six days. It was restarted after initial containment and response efforts were in place. The shutdown began immediately after the spill was detected.

What is the financial cost of the oil spill?

Spill-related costs total around $55 million. South Bow expects to recover this amount through its insurance policies. The company had already received $16 million in reimbursements by September.