On August 10, 2008, an oil pipeline failure occurred releasing an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 barrels of Mississippi Sweet Crude Oil in the early morning sometime before 7:30 am. Marathon Pipeline called the National Response Center to report the release. The release is located in a rural area 6 miles east of Fairfield, Illinois in Wayne County. The release area is situated in an open field with some trees surrounding it. Elm Creek and various drainage ditches are located to the southwest and southeast. Elm Creek drains into the Little Wabash River. A slough area and woods are to the east and a cornfield is situated just beyond that. County road 1100 North is to the north and soybean fields beyond that. There are no residences located near the release site, nor within the affected area.
* As of 1700 CST on 12 August 2008, 1305 bbls or approximately 54,810 gallons of oil has been recovered.
* Two more access points to the oil-filled creek beds have been established. Rock was laid and vacuum trucks have been placed at the newest access points.
* Twenty-six (26) vacuum trucks are currently on-site and six more are expected for a total of 32.
* Over 180 personnel are on-site to assist with clean-up operations (approximately 80 Marathon employees and over 100 contractor personnel).
* The pipeline repair is complete and flow should return to the line today.
* The clean-up is still in emergency response mode as free product is being recovered, but a separate team is simutaneously considering the long term recovery plan.
* The Natural Resource Trustee (USFW) will be on-site starting on 13 August 2008 to perform the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and evaluate long term remediation options.
* Efficient and timely removal of crude oil
* Ensuring the crude is contained in the event of eventual rain
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