There’s been a major oil spill off the coast of Southern California that could reach the shores of Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach.
On Saturday, officials reported a break in an oil pipeline that led to a massive oil spill of more than 100,000 gallons of oil. CNN reports the police spilled into the Pacific Ocean, covering nearby animals and wildlife habitats. The spill happened about five miles off Huntington Beach in Orange County. An estimated 3,000 barrels were lost into the waters.
There are no details on what may have caused the leak as of yet, but the president and CEO of Amplify Energy, which owns the pipeline, said there was an isolated spot along the pipeline that may have caused the leak. “We’ve seen a spot that we think very likely could be the source (of the leak),” said Martyn Willsher, per CNN.
According to the coast guard, the spill covered 13 square miles, traveling from Huntington Beach to Laguna Beach.
“I would characterize the oil as isolated ribbons or patches of oil. It does cover several miles, and that is constantly changing,” said Capt. Rebecca Ore, CNN reports.” It is not one large oil slick that is covering this large area of miles.” As of Sunday night, about 3,150 gallons have been removed from the water.
“This has devastated our California coastline in Orange County, and it’s having a tremendous impact on our ecological preserves as well as our economics,” she said, CNN reports. “We need answers, and the public deserves answers.”
