On the night of October 30, 2019, TC Energy, formerly known as TransCanada reported a release of an unknown amount of crude oil from a Keystone pipeline pump station due to a leak detection alarm that was activated. The pipeline was shut down within seconds of the leak detection alarm and TC Energy personnel were dispatched to investigate the release. The release occurred near one of the Keystone pipeline pump stations near the small town of Edinburg, North Dakota in Walsh County around 60 miles northwest of Grand Forks.
Following the investigation, TC Energy dispatched an emergency response team that contained the crude oil to an area of approximately one half an acre and was dispatching additional response equipment and personnel. On October 31, 2019, TC Energy estimated that 9,120 barrels of crude oil was released.
On October 31, 2019, OSC, Duane Newell was dispatched to assess the nature and of the impacts of release and arrived on site at 1400 hours. He observed the oil was contained within a low-lying area where water naturally accumulates and there is no threat to navigable water of the U.S. The ND Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) will oversee TC Energy's cleanup operation. EPA is available if NDDEQ needs assistance.
