MarkWest Energy Partners updates effect of Hurricane Rita
  by: OilOnline
  Monday, October 10, 2005

MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. has reported that operations at facilities in East Texas and the Appleby gathering systems have returned to normal conditions.

In connection with their ownership interest in Starfish Pipeline Company, updated information has been obtained based on our continuing discussions with the operator of Starfish, Enbridge Offshore (Gas Transmission) L.L.C. The path of Hurricane Rita was along the Starfish pipeline corridor and initial onsite and aerial inspections were completed last week. The inspections indicated no material damage to platform facilities and pipe integrity was not compromised. Sonar inspection of underwater pipe to assess sediment support and cover is pending. No major structural damage appears to have occurred at the onshore Starfish dehydration and compressor facilities; however, due to flooding, the electrical, control equipment and office buildings require repairs that Enbridge believes can be completed by year-end 2005.

Based on this preliminary information, MarkWest estimates the potential 2005 net income impact of Hurricane Rita on all of our operations will be in the range of $1 million to $1.5 million. Our estimate is subject to a number of factors including ongoing assessments, disclosures by operators of interconnecting production and processing facilities, and discussions with insurance carriers.