Kearl Test Module Underscores Commitment to Safety
Module transportation plan could generate over $100 million of economic benefits
IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ExxonMobil and Imperial Oil today announced that a test module to demonstrate the safe transportation of oversized shipments with minimal public disruption will begin its journey on April 11 from Lewiston, Idaho. The test module is part of a comprehensive transportation plan to move modules for the Kearl project from Idaho to Canada. The modules consist of new structural steel, piping and electrical equipment.
A test module to demonstrate the safe transportation of oversized shipments with minimal public disruption will begin its journey on April 11 from Lewiston, Idaho. (Photo: Business Wire)
"Safety is our top priority, and this test module, which was developed by some of the leading transportation experts in the world, is part of our commitment to moving these modules safely and in accordance with a comprehensive plan submitted to state transportation officials," said Chris Allard, Kearl project manager.
"We've worked with state authorities for nearly three years to produce a plan that not only prioritizes safety, but also creates minimal disruption to traffic, infrastructure and the environment," added Allard. "The transit will occur between 10:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. with state police escort at all times at our expense. We have paid all costs for necessary road and infrastructure improvements." Permits for the test module demonstration were granted by the Idaho Transportation Department and the Montana Department of Transportation.
ExxonMobil and Imperial Oil remain committed to the successful transportation of the Kearl modules and to providing residents in both Idaho and Montana a full understanding of the project.
As part of that commitment, the companies will launch www.kearltransport.com on April 11 to provide residents with up-to-date information. To date the companies have directly invested over $30 million in Idaho and Montana and expect that the transportation of the Kearl modules could generate over $100 million of economic benefits in both states.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.
About Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil is one of Canada's largest corporations and a leading member of the country's petroleum industry. It is one of the country's largest producers of crude oil and natural gas, Canada's largest petroleum refiner, a key petrochemical producer and a leading marketer with a coast-to-coast supply network that includes about 1,850 Esso service stations. For more information, visit www.imperialoil.ca.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6669483&lang=en
Source: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Released April 8, 2011