Cleanup work continues in northern Kansas, after an oil pipeline leak in Washington County.
Efforts are concentrated on removing oil from Mill Creek and from the surrounding area. The material that leaked is being described as a type of heavy crude oil.
More skimmers and pumps are being brought in to remove oil from the creek. Some of this equipment is heated so cleanup can continue during colder weather. So far, more than 233,000 thousand gallons of oil and water have been removed for treatment. Crews have also recovered 5,000 cubic yards of oil-contaminated soil. As of Wednesday, more than 400 people are involved in cleanup and recovery work. This includes people from federal, state, and local agencies.
Several dead animals have been found during cleanup efforts. Officials say this includes four mammals and 71 fish. The animals are being assessed by biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
This is in response to a leak from the Keystone Pipeline that was discovered of December 8. Officials are still working to find exactly what caused the leak.
