State Releases Report on Its Response To Refugio Oil Spill

The state agency responsible for the response and clean-up of the Refugio oil spill just released a report about its handling of the emergency.

The 75-page report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response highlights several areas it was successful in dealing with the emergency, but also includes a number of areas which need improvement.

On May 19, 2015, an onshore pipeline owned by Plains All American Pipeline, burst and released more than 100,000 gallons of crude oil which flowed into waters off Refugio State Beach.

The report said the agency was consistent in coordinating between state and federal partners and quick to close and reopen fisheries. The agency also said it did a good job of cleaning up areas of cultural concern.

The state highlighted several areas improve for future response efforts, including better communication with local governments, the community and spill volunteers about the progress of the clean up effort.

Read the full OSPR After Action Report here.