BILLINGS – Exxon Mobil Pipeline Co. is seeking permission from Montana officials to remove a ruptured oil pipeline that spilled tens of thousands of gallons of crude into the Yellowstone River.
The Texas-based company has applied for a land use license from the state Department of Resources and Conservation to temporarily occupy the riverbed near Laurel while workers remove the 12-inch pipeline.
The DNRC said it has initiated an environmental study of the proposal and is taking public comment through Sept. 21.
DNRC planner Jeff Bollman says portions of the failed pipeline would be removed by crane. Workers would dig a trench to remove other sections.
The pipeline broke during spring flooding. Exxon Mobil is installing a replacement line at least 42-feet deep beneath the riverbed.