i ensure you phmsa is investigating the incident and will continue to do so. we state and federal agencies and our partner, epa, in evaluating the effects to the yellowstone river and its surrounding communities and helping with cleanup activities. due to the high river flows, the ruptured pipe is currently inaccessible for current examination. however, i can assure the subcommittee once the failed pipe becomes accessible, phmsa will complete the investigation as soon as possible. we've been -- we have contacted all operates with pipeline crossings in the yellowstone river to verify the condition and operational status of their crossings. we advise them to take appropriate preventative measures to patrol their pipeline crossings, monitor them more frequently, and coordinate their efforts with other nearby operates. before this incident occurred, phmsa was actively monitoring the silver tip pipeline and the recent flooding conditions. due to the on set of heavy flooding, starting in may of 2011, phmsa inspectors began monitoring the flow rates in the yellowston

before this occurred phmsa was actively monitoring but due to the onset of heavy flooding, phmsa inspectors began monitoring it on a daily basis. in response to the potential risks prior to the spill we asked exxonmobil to perform a depth of coverage confirming the pipeline was buried at least five feet below the river bank and the south bank was covered on average by 12 feet of cover. mr. chairperson i assure you phmsa will remain vigilant in monitoring all pipeline under its jurisdiction and that the silver tip pipeline is free of environmental risks before the pipeline is permitted to restart the line. phmsa will continue to monitor and ensure the public is protected and that any violations are swiftly addressed. thank you, and i'm happy to respond to any questions you might have. >> i'd like to basically start with you, bob, and basic questions i have. the extent of the damages, if you could just tell us just what the damage is, what it's worth as a spill is somewhat obvious, but how much damage is left either in terms of oil or contaminated ground, air pluse or homes where -- just dama

that has been the recommendation of phmsa and we agree with that.we came to the conclusion that would be necessary technology to replace it. the technology in directional drilling became prominent in the mid-1990s. prior to that especially in underwater areas, it was normal to ditch it and have it covered over with the riverbed. today using directional drilling technology, it is more common at river crossings. >> some of the rivers in montana are trench set. >> we're doing an assessment of all of the areas. part of the process started this week. we brought in a boat with sonar instrumentation. we have done initial work where it crosses back across the river to get to the refinery. it did not indicate any exposed pipe. we will be working with phmsa and others on the procedures to do that so we know where the lines are located in the crossing. that is something we need to do. we have agreed to do that to make sure the river crossings are safe on the rest of the line. >> i heard you say you are concerned about testing. he said the epa had a limited sam

in fact, that's the whole premise of phmsa. and so the analysis of a worst case scenario spill is already part of the application. it's part of the environmental impact statement and the supplemental environmental impact statement. furthermore, it's democrat strate its response plan in the event -- it's demonstrated its response plan in the event of a worst case discharge that the pumps will stop in nine minutes and the valves will shut in three minutes. so the worst case scenarios are part of the record so that the entities that have to make the recommendation to the president already have that determination, then they'll use those facts and figures and models to determine what to recommend to the president, then the president can make that recommendation. so i believe that this amendment is really you is purr flewous and unnecessary -- is unnecessary and i reserve. the chair: the gentleman from nebraska reserves his time. the gentlewoman from hawaii is recognized. ms. hanabusa: mr. speaker, you can tell me how much time i hav