Skip to Content

More leaky oil wells get capped this month in Summerland

The Danny C vessel has arrived off Summerland as part of an abandoned oil well clean up project. (KEYT photo)
Danny C well cleanup
KEYT photo
The Danny C vessel has arrived off Summerland as part of an abandoned oil well clean up project. (KEYT photo)

SUMMERLAND, Calif. - Old abandoned oil wells, leaking in the waters off Summerland will be capped this month in a specially funded project from the state.

The money is allocated at $2-million a year in Senate Bill 44, authored by Santa Barbara State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson who ushered the legislation through based on research here and other areas where old wells were never sealed properly.

Some date back more than 100 years.

The fund pays for the well capping and the clean up of other coastal hazzards, such as old rusty pipes in the surfline off Goleta.

The current project will seal up the Northstar and Treadwell leaks.

A previous project capped the Becker well.

All have contributed to oil pollution on shore and infuriated Summerland residents for years when the currents sent the oil to the shoreline.

The work on the current two projects will involve two special vessels, a crew and a cordoned off area.

It should be completed by the middle of the month.

The Santa Barbara based Heal the Ocean organization has been closely coordinating some of the mapping and aerial photography to bring the projects to the finish line.

Article Topic Follows: Environment & Energy

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

John Palminteri

John Palminteri is senior reporter for KEYT News Channel 3-12. To learn more about John, click here.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content