Keystone Pipeline Operations Resume Amid Enhanced Safety Protocols

2025-04-17 economy

Oklahoma City, Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
South Bow Corp. safely restarted the Keystone Pipeline on April 16, 2025, following an oil release. Over 3,500 barrels were spilled and mostly recovered, with ongoing remediation efforts.

Timeline of Events

The Keystone Pipeline, operated by South Bow Corp, experienced an oil spill at Milepost 171 near Fort Ransom, North Dakota, on April 8, 2025. The spill resulted in the release of approximately 3,500 barrels of oil. Following this incident, South Bow implemented immediate response measures, including the repair and replacement of the impacted pipeline section [1][2].

Regulatory Response and Approval

In response to the spill, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a Corrective Action Order (CAO) on April 11, 2025. This order required South Bow Corp to undertake specific corrective actions to ensure the pipeline’s safety. The restart plan, developed by South Bow and approved by PHMSA, outlined safety measures and pressure restrictions designed to mitigate further risks [1][2][4].

Impact on Crude Oil Transportation

The pipeline was officially restarted on April 16, 2025, operating under reduced pressure as a precautionary measure. This strategic restart is significant for crude oil transportation across North America, as the Keystone Pipeline is a major conduit for crude oil from Alberta, Canada, to refineries in the United States, including those in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast. The restart is expected to stabilize crude oil supply routes and reduce potential market disruptions caused by the temporary shutdown [1][2][5].

Economic and Environmental Considerations

The successful restart of the Keystone Pipeline is crucial for both economic and environmental aspects. Economically, it reassures stakeholders about the continued supply of oil, likely preventing spikes in oil prices due to supply chain disruptions. Environmentally, continuous air quality monitoring confirms that the spill has created no adverse health or public concerns, which is pivotal in managing the community’s safety perception around Fort Ransom. South Bow continues its clean-up efforts, demonstrating a commitment to mitigating environmental impacts and maintaining public trust [1][6].

Sources

Keystone Pipeline South Bow