Where did the Refugio oil spill happen?

The Oil Spill On May 19, crude oil began spilling from an underground pipeline located above Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, CA. The spilled oil flowed underneath the highway, through a culvert, and into ocean waters near Refugio Beach.

What places are affected by oil spills?

At the country level, countries on the Atlantic European coast, including, (in order of risk) the UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain and Portugal, had the highest risks from oil spills. However, the Mediterranean countries of Greece, Italy, and Turkey were also among those at the most risk.

What caused the Refugio oil spill?

Hundreds of animals along the coast were coated with the thick crude oil and many died. State parks and beaches located along the Gaviota Coast were temporarily closed….

Refugio oil spill
Date May 19, 2015
Cause
Cause Ruptured pipeline
Operator Plains All American Pipeline

What were the effects of the oil spill?

Oil spills have a number of effects on the environment and economy. On a basic level, oil spill effects will damage waterways, marine life and plants and animals on the land. The impact of oil spills can also ruin the infrastructure and economy of a particular area with the long-term effects being felt for decades.

How many animals died in the Santa Barbara oil spill?

The spill had a significant impact on marine life in the Channel, killing an estimated 3,500 sea birds, as well as marine animals such as dolphins, elephant seals, and sea lions.

What was a major legislative change that occurred a year after the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill?

In the aftermath of the spill, President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act in 1969, which requires environmental impact reports, and the California Environmental Quality Act was adopted the next year, says Peter Alagona, an associate professor of environmental studies at UC Santa Barbara.

How does oil spill affect humans?

Oil spills can also affect human health. People who clean up the spill are more at risk. Problems could include skin and eye irritation, neurologic and breathing problems, and stress. Not much is known about the long-term effects of oil spills.

How are oil spills cleaned up?

Dispersants and booms and skimmers are the most frequently used methods to clean up ocean oil spills. The effectiveness depends on the situation – the amount and type of oil, the ocean currents and tides and the weather. Some methods can be harmful to the environment.

What was the effect of the Refugio oil spill?

Refugio oil spill. State parks and beaches located along the coastline were temporarily closed. While much smaller than the oil rig blowout that resulted in the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, this spill may have greater long term effects due to its potential impact on four state marine protected areas.

Where did the oil spill in California take place?

The spilled oil flowed underneath the highway, through a culvert, and into ocean waters near Refugio Beach. The owner of the pipeline, Plains All American Pipeline, estimates approximately 101,000 gallons of oil was released of which an estimated 21,000 gallons made its way into the Pacific Ocean before the pipeline was shut off.

When did Refugio and El Capitan beaches reopen?

Refugio and El Capitán state beaches were closed on May 20th and re-opened on June 26 at the discretion of the California State Park. Campgrounds in these areas were evacuated following the oil spill. A 23 mile by 6 mile area offshore was closed to fishing after the spill. The closure was lifted on June 29.

Is there an oil spill contingency plan in California?

The State of California has an Oil Spill Contingency Plan in place to respond to discharges of oil to all marine or inland surface waterways, and for oil spills on land. In addition, Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) are identified for geographic regions of the state.