MAY 19, 2020 — NOAA, and the state and federal trustees working on restoring habitat and resources impacted by the Refugio Beach oil spill near Santa Barbara, California, are seeking public comments for a draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment plan through June 8, 2020. 

The Refugio Natural Resource Damage Assessment case team held a virtual public meeting on May 13, 2019 to provide the public with a summary/overview, answer questions, and receive comments on the proposed plan. Meetings were held via teleconference/webinar for an afternoon session and an evening session. Approximately 200 people participated over the two meetings.  

A copy of the draft plan can also be found at the State of California’s Refugio oil spill web page. Please send your written comments on the plan no later than June 8, 2020 to: 

By email to: RefugioRestoration@fws.gov

By mail to: Refugio Beach Oil Spill Natural Resource Trustees

C/O Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office

2493 Portola Road, Suite B

Ventura, CA  93004

The draft plan describes how the oil spill injured birds, marine mammals, and marine habitats, and impacted human uses, such as recreation and beachgoing. The plan proposes $22 million in restoration projects to restore the wildlife and habitats, and to compensate the public for the impacts to recreation.