EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — The Marathon Pipe Line leak has now been repaired, a release from Marathon Petroleum said on Tuesday. The company also said they have the go-ahead from federal regulatory authorities to restart the pipeline.
When the 5 on Your Side team was at the oil leak worksite along Illinois State Route 143 Monday morning, the initial estimate was that about 3,000 barrels of oil leaked from the pipeline. But now, the Edwardsville Response Team says the leak is closer to 4,000 barrels.
Crews are working as quickly as they can to get it all cleaned up.
As of Tuesday morning, about 11,075 barrels of water and oil mixture have been recovered from the Cahokia diversion channel. Crews dug up and disposed of about 390 cubic yards of oily soil.
The oil leak happened near Illinois state Routes 143 and 159 and seeped into the Cahokia Creek that runs parallel to the pipeline.
There are boom barriers and boats out along the Cahokia diversion channel to stop the oil from spreading further in the water.
The oil isn’t just a danger to people, but wildlife in the area too.
Edwardsville Parks and Recreation posted on Facebook and said an organization called Treehouse Wildlife Center is in need of donations to treat animals in the area.
The department says Treehouse workers are going through towels, paper towels, exam gloves and animal crates quickly while treating animals. Treehouse Wildlife Center is asking the public to donate these items if they can. A drop-off site has been established at the Edwardsville Re/Max Alliance Office at 120 South Buchanan until 5 p.m. on Thursday.
In a release Tuesday, Marathon Pipe Line said since Friday they've had experts on-site to help with the "rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife that have been affected by oil."
Marathon said seven ducks, one frog, one hawk, two bevers and three turtles were being treated. They did find seven ducks, a heron, a muskrat and a frog deceased. Marathon noted they do not need volunteers.
Marathon said they're using "audible deterrent" to keep animals out of the impacted area. They're also covering expenses for wildlife rehabilitation.
The Edwardsville Response team said federal agencies are now conducting the investigation to figure out the cause of the oil release.