It doesn't say much for the regulation - or lack of regulation in this case - that Exxon was even given so much leeway with something as important as this. Either way, their assurances were about as valuable as any assurance from the oil industry. Self regulation doesn't work, but everyone already knows that.
Exxon Mobil Co. had reassured federal regulators and officials from a Montana town since December that an oil pipeline beneath the Yellowstone River was safe, buried deep enough to avoid any accidental ruptures.
Then, on Friday night, the pipe failed, spilling an estimated 42,000 gallons into the flooded river.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but the prevailing theory among officials and the company is that the raging Yellowstone eroded the riverbed and exposed the line to damaging rocks or debris.
