HOUSTON – The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Galveston, Texas responded to a crude oil pipeline rupture in Salt Bayou, Texas, Friday.
A Unified Command consisting of the Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of Transportation, local police and fire departments and the responsible party has been created to ensure a timely cleanup.
The ruptured pipeline runs parallel to Highway 517. To facilitate clean-up operations the Texas Department of Transportation has closed Highway 517 and established a detour until 9:30 p.m. Friday.
The oil spill response organization Phoenix Pollution Control & Evironmental Services has been contracted to cleanup the spilled oil.
The spill could potentially impact Dickinson Bayou, Texas.
The entry to Dickinson Bayou has an oil absorbent boom across it to prevent oil intrusion into the waterway. Also, there is a man-made barrier that should prevent oil from reaching Dickinson bayou.
Additionally, the area surrounding the pipeline has been excavated.
