On Wednesday, November 28th at approximately 5:00 pm CDT, a large fire and release of crude oil in an unknown amount at a Minnesota pipeline was reported to the National Response Center (NRC). The release came from a 34 inch pipeline located in Clearbrook, MN that was under repair by two maintenance workers when fumes leaking from the line apparently ignited. The two workers were killed in the ensuing fire. Crude oil also leaking from the line caught fire but the burning oil was contained to the repair excavation. The fire burned for several hours but was reported as being extinguished at 6:00 am local time Thursday morning and Enbridge Energy, the owner of the pipeline, estimates that 1000 barrels of crude oil were released.
Several fire departments responded and a total of 3 residential homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The residents remain out of their homes at this time. Clearwater County Road 3 was closed due to the fire. An MPCA responder is on-scene.
OSC Sonia Vega and START are on route to the scene and Sonia has been communicating with MPCA. The U.S. DOI has been notified of U.S.EPA response activities, as wetland areas are located nearby.
This morning it was noted that some crude oil from the pipeline had migrated to a nearby type 2 non-designated wetland. Enbridge contractors are working under the oversight of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to remove the product from the excavation near the pipeline and the wetland area.
Enbridge Energy is performing clean-up activites as described above.
OSC Vega is will arrive on site at approximately 1:00 pm local time. Sonia will report back with additional details upon her arrival.
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