Live
Audio Only
Some 21,000 gallons of oil seeped into the ocean and beaches of California Tuesday when a pipeline burst along the iconic coastline.
RELATED: California State Sued for Allowing Water Contamination
The spill created a four-mile slick along Refugio State Beach, stretching 50 yards out into the water, according to U.S. Coast Guard Andrea Anderson.
Newsletter
#BREAKING: Oil Pipeline Off California Coast Has Ruptured Spilling over 21,000 gallons of oil near #SantaBarbara. pic.twitter.com/argOggw5Se
— Bipartisan Report (@Bipartisanism)
May 20, 2015
Plains All American Pipeline, the company reportedly responsible for the pipeline, have brought in clean-up experts to rectify the environmental damage, although this could prove difficult as the cause of the rupture has not yet been determined.
Whales could be seen swimming in affected area at one moment, ABC reports, casting fears about the effect on marine life.
Oil spills off California coast after pipeline ruptures in Santa Barbara. pic.twitter.com/7VavnG0jF1
— Lorena de la Cuesta (@LorenadlaCuesta)
May 20, 2015
Video provided to @BuzzFeedNews shows oil washed up on Refugio State Beach in California after today's spill https://t.co/80Spqs6yvz
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews)
May 20, 2015
"We haven't seen any reports of impacts on wildlife but it is in the water so it is impacting the environment," said Richard Abrams, emergency manager for Santa Barbara County.
Plains has shut down the pipeline and “regrets” the leak, of which about 20 barrells have so far been cleaned up.
"Plains deeply regrets this release has occurred and is making every effort to limit its environmental impact. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of all involve," the company said in a statement.
