Tulsa-Magellan Midstream Partners estimates that 2,500 barrels of anhydrous ammonia were lost when someone tampered with Magellan’s anhydrous ammonia pipeline in Pawnee County July 18. “Initial indications are that the release was caused by the unauthorized opening of a valve by an unknown third party,” said Magellan spokesman Bruce Heine. “Magellan is working with local law enforcement authorities as part of the continued investigation.” The Pawnee County Sheriff’s office alerted Magellan about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when ammonia began leaking from the pipeline. Undersheriff Mike Waters says the area is secured by a chain link fence. Law enforcement is investigating the incident as a criminal case. As many as 100 residents were evacuated from a five square mile area around Skedee. Hazmat crews sealed the leak by that afternoon and residents were allowed to return home. The 1,100-mile Magellan ammonia common carrier pipeline system originates in Borger, Tex., Enid and Verdigris, Okla., and terminates in Mankato, Minn. It transports ammonia to 13 delivery points along the ammonia system, including six terminals owned by Magellan. Aggregate annual commitments from Magellan customers July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009 were 550,000 tons.
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