Exxon Deal for Arkansas Pipeline Spill Leaves Water Vulnerable: Groups

"Groups opposed to the $5 million ExxonMobil settlement are worried that drinking water for 750,000 Arkansas residents isn't protected."

"ExxonMobil's $5 million settlement for polluting water during the Pegasus oil pipeline spill may be final as soon as this week. But many Arkansas water agencies and cities are blasting the penalty and other requirements in the pact as being too weak and too reliant on struggling federal pipeline regulators to keep the 1940s-era pipeline from failing again.

"We don't believe the consent decree is in the public interest…it doesn't do enough to prevent a future rupture or to make meaningful improvements to the Pegasus," said John Tynan, public affairs director for Central Arkansas Water (CAW), the utility that manages the crucial Lake Maumelle watershed, through which more than 13 miles of the pipeline pass.

CAW, three other Arkansas water agencies, six cities and Pulaski County want the judge in the case to reject the agreement, or to delay finalizing it until pipeline regulators complete a separate proceeding on the Pegasus spill. In comments filed in federal court, the group sought to add more safety and oversight measures."

Elizabeth Douglass reports for InsideClimate News July 28, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"After A Year Without One, The U.S. Is Finally Getting A Pipeline Safety Chief" (Climate Progress)

"PHMSA Proposes New Pipeline Accident Requirements" (Occupational Health & Safety)

"House Panel Blasts PHMSA For Pipeline Safety Act Delays" (Natural Gas Intelligence)

"Group Accuses Feds of Faulty Pipeline Safety Plans" (Detroit News)