EXXON MOBIL AGREES TO SETTLEMENT FOR ARKANSAS PIPELINE LEAK

By TONI ELLINGTON

Exxon Mobil has settled charges related to an oil pipeline leak in Arkansas which occurred in 2013. Exxon will pay $5 million to the EPA and the State of Arkansas for damages.

The spill occurred in Mayflower, Arkansas, which is approximately 25 miles northwest of Little Rock, on March 29, 2013. Approximately 12,000 barrels of oil mixed with water were recovered after the spill. Twenty-two homes were evacuated.  The EPA classified the incident as a major spill.

The spill occurred on the Exxon Pegasus Pipeline, which carriers 95,000 barrels per day and stretches from Patoka, Illinois to Nederland, Texas. The pipeline was carrying Canadian Wabasca heavy crude at the time. Since the spill in 2013, there have been conflicting reports as to whether any oil reached Lake Conway, Arkansas. In addition, certain citizens groups have claimed that the leak affected air quality in the area and that air samples showed significant readings of toxic hydrocarbons, benzene, and other harmful substances.

For more information, contact Toni Ellington at (504) 599-8500.