TC Energy Corp. began a controlled restart of the Keystone pipeline Cushing extension, returning the pipeline to service Dec. 29, the company said in a release. The restart follows repairs, inspections, and testing following a 14,000-bbl crude oil spill from the Keystone pipeline in Washington County, Kan., in early December 2022 (OGJ Online, Dec. 8, 2022).
The Cushing extension is operating under plans approved by the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
The Keystone Pipeline System is now operational to all delivery points, the company said, as the section that extends from Hardisty, Alta. to Wood River/Patoka, Ill. was restarted Dec. 14 (OGJ Online, Dec. 14, 2022).
The company continues to monitor the system and said it will operate the pipeline with additional risk-mitigation measures, including reduced operating pressures. Cleanup and restoration of the incident site is ongoing. As of Dec. 30, the company has recovered an estimated 10,637 bbl of oil from the creek (17,738 bbl of oil and water).
