California coast: Oil pipeline spills about 21K gallons into the ocean

Central California Coast (Source: Google maps)

The US Coast Guard estimates that about 21,000 gallons (79,500 liters) of oil spilled into the ocean when a pipeline broke on the central California coast.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Andrea Anderson says Tuesday’s pipeline break has created an oil slick stretching for about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of beach and about 50 yards (45 meters) into the ocean.

Santa Barbara County fire officials say the source was a pipeline that broke and sent oil into a culvert that ran into the ocean.

The pipe, which is operated by Plains All American Pipeline LP, has been shut off. The company did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment.

Source:: Indian Express