Exxon: Arkansas Oil Spill Pegged at 157K Gallons

ExxonMobil has put a number to its estimate for the volume of oil that spilled at Mayflower.

State officials had estimated between 3,500 and 5,000 barrels were set loose in last week’s accident. On Friday, ExxonMobil said 5,000 barrels spilled and said it is conducting a response adequate for a 10,000-barrel spill.

No one was hurt in the April 29 pipeline rupture but more than 20 homes had to be evacuated. There is still no estimate for when those people can return.

There are 31.5 gallons to a barrel, so ExxonMobil’s latest estimate is equivalent to a spill of 157,500 gallons.

Officials say cleanup crews have recovered at least 19,000 barrels of oil and water since the pipeline failed.

Volunteers have worked to rescue oil-covered birds and animals.