Governor Steve Bullock announced Wednesday morning Exxon Mobil and state and federal officials have reached a proposed settlement of $12 million over the environmental damages done to the Yellowstone River during the Silvertip oil spill in 2011.
Advertisement
“Montanans deserve and expect Exxon Mobil Pipeline Company to be held accountable for the damages they caused to Montana’s Yellowstone River, our communities and our economy”, Bullock said in a statement.
FWP said in a news release that if more cases of dead or dying fish are found in the river in the coming weeks, the river could be closed again. While authorities accuse ExxonMobil of delaying their response, the company has already paid out over $135 million in fines and compensatory damages to property owners affected by the spill.
ExxonMobil has agreed to pay $12 million in damages related to a 2011 pipeline spill in Montana.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will reopen the last stretch of the Yellowstone River to recreationists and anglers Friday.
A restoration plan drafted by the state and federal governments would, among other things, seek to restore riparian and terrestrial habitats, stabilize river banks and expand fishing access in and around the river. Attorney General Tim Fox said about $4.7 million would go towards restoring the shoreline, and another $3.6 million would be used to restore the wildlife habitat.
The accident prompted a national debate over the adequacy of safety rules for thousands of pipelines crossing beneath rivers, lakes and other waterways. An investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency continues, agency spokesman Richard Mylott said.
In the years since the spill and at the urging of safety regulators oil and pipeline companies, including Exxon, have re-installed some lines at greater depths to reduce the risk of accidents. “There will be a public comment period for thirty days not only on the consent decree but there’s also restoration plans that has been made public and there is a thirty day comment period made for that”.
While court approval is pending before US Magistrate Judge, Carolyn Ostby, the Daily Mail has reported that despite this offer, the company still face further penalties for pollution law violations.
Advertisement
Share with Us – We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article, and smart, constructive criticism.
