Final Settlement for Restoration After an Oil Spill in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas

JULY 29, 2024 — On May 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice approved a settlement of $427,000 for restoration, from the Flint Hills Ingleside Dock #5 oil spill. The spill occurred on December 24, 2022, when a pipeline failure at the Ingleside crude oil terminal released approximately 14,000 gallons of light crude oil into Corpus Christi Bay, Texas. Per the consent decree, Flint Hills Resources (the responsible party) has paid $427,000 for restoration costs and management.

Yellowish waxy petroleum product observed on a beachy shoreline.
Yellowish waxy petroleum product on a shoreline in Corpus Christi, Texas. Image credit: Flint Hills Response.

NOAA worked with state and federal co-trustees to assess injury to marshes, shorelines, birds, and turtles. Co-trustees include the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas General Land Office, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Texas trustees and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will work to identify and select potential restoration projects for marshes, sea turtles, and birds. A restoration plan will be drafted in the coming months.

Last updated Monday, August 5, 2024 5:01am PDT