California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) announced a settlement with Crimson Pipeline to pay a $330,218 penalty for the unauthorized release of crude oil into a nearby Ventura County creek.
The spill was reported June 23, 2016, in the foothills of Hall Canyon north of Ventura.
An investigation by the water board determined the spill was was caused by was caused by a
breached pipeline vault box. More than 45,000 gallons of crude oil had flowed into the Prince Barranca, a natural earthen-bottom ephemeral creek that leads to a concrete sub-surface storm water culvert that discharges into the Pacific Ocean approximately 1.5 miles from the creek.
A report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response showed 11 animal carcasses had been retrieved, seven of which were oiled. In addition, four oiled birds were placed in wildlife recovery facilities and later released.
“I’m very pleased we reached a settlement with Crimson Pipeline regarding the environmental damage,” said Lawrence Yee, chair of the Los Angeles Water Board. “When we protect the environment, we protect ourselves. And we will continue to monitor the site to mitigate any further harm.”
Crimson Pipeline will deposit the funds in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund within 30 days.
