Pipeline spilling oil into Gulf near Galveston

[nashville_brook]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4426607.html


Dec. 26, 2006, 1:00PM

Pipeline spilling oil into Gulf near Galveston
Rupture dumps about 21,000 gallons nearly 30 miles off Texas coast

By HARVEY RICE


GALVESTON -- A ruptured undersea oil pipeline continued to spew 80 to 400 gallons a day into the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles southeast of here, leaving an oil slick a half-mile long and 30 yards wide, the U.S. Coast Guard said today.

About 21,000 gallons of oil spewed into the Gulf on Sunday before the High Island Pipeline system detected a pressure loss and shut down, Chief Warrant Officer Adam Wine said. "As soon as they can, they are looking at putting a plug into the pipeline," Romero said.

Repairs were not expected to begin until divers employed by Plains All American Pipeline LP arrive Wednesday to examine the leak, Romero said.

Romero said the company notified the Coast Guard early Sunday that oil might have been released and confirmed the rupture late Monday. He said the cause of the leak was under investigation.

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has this been reported here yet? if there's 21,000 gallons already spilled and the rate of flow is only 80-400 gallons A DAY -- then, this must have been going on for quite some time (52.5 days).

oh -- and who really believes the oil co's numbers here?

[flamin lib]

1. It ruptured on Sunday and pumped 21,000 gallons into the Gulf

before they stopped pumping through the pipeline. Without pressure on it there continues to be leakage--basically the oil in the pipe is oozing out. So it's 21,000 gallons plus the 80-400 gallons a day.

[nashville_brook]

2. ah -- that makes sense.

thanks!

[BayCityProgressive]

3. What effects will this have on the reefs and wildlife?

This makes me sick to my stomach.

[donsu]

4. another nail in the Gulf of Mexico's coffin

large portions of it are already dead

the food chain grows smaller each day

[flamin lib]

5. No oil is good, but 20,000 gallons is not that much in the scheme of

things. The Exxon Valdez spilled 52 million gallons. It will be a mess on local beaches unless it can be contained. Choppy seas are breaking it up and recovery is unlikely. Reefs are to the east of LA between Mobile and Pensacola.