Montana Still Cataloging Pipeline Stream Crossings

The state says it is still cataloging information on the 9,000 or so places where pipelines cross some type of waterway in Montana.

The issue was thrust into the forefront after an Exxon Mobil oil pipeline broke during spring flooding on the Yellowstone River.

A panel set up by the governor to review pipeline safety has put together a map showing all the waterway crossings in the state. Most involve waterways so small, or mostly dry, that they don’t even have names.

The state says information is incomplete on the safety features at some of the crossings, or the ages of the pipelines. And state regulators say they expect to find that some of the pipelines don’t have a permit, although they will easily be able to get one.