Cleanup Continues Along Cahokia Creek After Crude Oil Spill

EDWARDSVILLE – Clean up continues along the Cahokia creek after Friday’s crude oil leak from a Marathon Pipeline.

The State of Illinois released a statement saying initial reports estimate that 3,000 barrels, which amounts to 165,000 gallons, leaked and impacted the water in Cahokia Creek. The statement said the leak has been contained in the creek for now. Marathon Pipeline and the EPA are conducting air monitoring of the site.

Booms could be seen on Saturday in places throughout the Cahokia Creek. Oil Booms are to help to concentrate oil in thicker surface layers so that skimmers, vacuums, or other collection methods can be used more effectively. They come in many shapes and sizes, with various levels of effectiveness in different types of water conditions.

The call came in on Friday of a crude oil leak at the intersection of Illinois State Route 143 and Illinois State Route 159 near Old Alton Edwardsville Road. Several departments responded to the initial call. Madison County Emergency Management Agency, Madison County Hazmat, Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery, Marathon Pipeline and Edwardsville Fire Department responded.

Marathon Statement: ” Marathon Pipe Line (MPL) is responding to a release of crude oil near Edwardsville, Illinois, from an MPL pipeline. Upon detecting the release, MPL shut down the pipeline and deployed response resources, including personnel and equipment that are on site. Crude oil has reached the Cahokia diversion channel, and MPL has deployed boom to contain it. MPL has made relevant regulatory notifications. No injuries have been reported. MPL’s top priorities are to ensure the safety of responders, the community and to limit environmental impact as we respond to the release.”