An ExxonMobil pipeline that runs under the Yellowstone River ruptured and dumped about 1,000 barrels of oil into the Yellowstone River near Billings, Montana yesterday (June30th).

About 140 people were evacuated due to concerns about possible explosions and overpowering fumes.

The state has received record rainfall in the last month and also has a huge snowpack in the mountains that is melting, which has resulted in flooding in recent weeks. According to Duane Winslow, disaster and emergency services coordinator for Yellowstone County, erosion from high water this spring likely played a role in the leak.

ExxonMobil said it will be sending its North American Regional Response Team to the area to help with cleanup work. The company stated Saturday, “We deeply regrets this release and is working hard with local emergency authorities to mitigate the impacts of this release on the surrounding communities and to the environment."

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