Third Anniversary of Refugio Beach Oil Spill in California
MAY 18, 2018 — Saturday, May 19, 2018 marks the third anniversary of the Refugio Beach Oil Spill in California. On May 19, 2015, a pipeline owned and operated by Plains All America Pipeline, Inc. ruptured near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, California, sending oil into the ocean.
In response, state and federal natural resource trustee agencies are conducting a Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), which is independent of a criminal trial now underway as a result of the same oil spill. NRDA injury assessment activities are nearing completion and initial environmental restoration ideas are being considered. Initial injury assessment results and a list of restoration ideas are shared in a newsletter, “Refugio Beach Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Update.” Once the assessment is complete, the Trustees will prepare a Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan for public comment.
See article from the time of the spill: NOAA Joins Response to Pipeline Oil Spill at Refugio State Beach Near Santa Barbara, California
For further information, contact Laurie.Sullivan@noaa.gov.