1.1.1 Incident Category :  Emergency Response to an inland oil spill - PRP Oversight

1.1.2 Site Description:   The release emanated from California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Line #0334, which is a 10‑inch underground pipeline owned by Crimson of Denver, Colorado. According to Crimson, CSFM Line #0334 transports crude oil from the Ventura oil fields to Los Angeles area refineries. The pipeline was constructed in 1941 and is approximately 87 miles long, and was most recently tested using a smart pig inline inspection tool in May 2013 and hydrostatic test in November 2015.

Final estimate of material spilled is 44,772 gallons (1,066 bbls.) of crude oil contaminating approximately 1/2 mile of dry creek bed.  (Originally reported at 5000 bbls, then amended to 700 bbls.)

1.1.2.1 Location:  The Prince Barranca along Hall Canyon Road, approximately 2,000 feet northeast of Ventura High School, and approximately 1.5 mile east of San Buenaventura State Beach, in the City of Ventura, Ventura County, California.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat:  No immediate threat of discharge to surface water until rainy season.  A few critters have been harmed during or prior to the spill.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

2.1.1 Narrative

On June 23, 2016 at approximately 0530 hrs., a 10” pipeline owned by Crimson Pipeline with Aera Energy crude oil ruptured at Hall Canyon in Ventura, CA. The oil leak flowed down the Prince Barranca. Ventura Fire Dept. constructed an earthen dam and prevented the oil from flowing any farther. The pipe was depressurized and the oil leak was stopped. Approximately 700 barrels (29,400 gallons) of crude oil was released. The oil leak stretches approximately half a mile from the point of origin to the earthen dam. The crude oil was contained and no seepage was observed. The cause of the rupture is still under investigation. There was no threat to the ocean or other waterways and RP cleanup crews were on scene removing product by 0700 hrs.

OSC and START contract personnel were dispatched to the scene. The initial NRC and Cal OES reports suggested the discharge was as much as 5,000 barrels. While that estimate was revised down to approximately 700 barrels, continuation of the EPA response was deemed prudent. Approximately ½ mile of creek bed is impacted about 1.5 miles inland of the Ocean (EPA jurisdiction). A Coast Guard overflight has confirmed no discharge to the Ocean.  Had no action been taken the spill would have ultimately reached San Buenoventura State Beach.

2.1.2 Response Actions

The OSC and START initially responded to this incident and provided technical assistance to the incident, as needed. START performed cleanup oversight activities from June 23 to July 2, 2016, and intermittently from July 5 to early September, 2016. START provided review and technical assistance to the preparation of planning documents throughout the response, conducted oversight of cleanup activities, collected photographic documentation, and kept the OSC appraised.

The OSC made one final visit to the Site, August 17-19, 2016 to meet with the SOSC and the RPs IC (the UC) and review the status of cleanup operations.  On August 19 and 30, 2016, UC determined “No Further Cleanup Required” endpoint was met in Division A and Divisions B and C, respectively, as defined in the Grove Incident Clean‑up Endpoint Plan prepared by the UC in June 2016.  On August 29 and September 1, 2016, confirmation soil samples were collected in Division A, B, and C.  An EPA approved bioremediation agent, Micro-Blaze^®, was applied in the three Divisions using a sprinkler system and were watered down twice a day to allow the bioremediation agent to be most effective.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities

OSC Weden issued a Notice of Federal Interest to Crimson Pipeline LP on June 23, 2016.  Crimson Pipeline LP has taken full responsibility for the spill and is diligently working to clean it up.
 
2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities: 

Restoration began in late-September. The following agencies will be involved in the long-term restoration plan:

• Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board

• Ventura County Watershed Protection District

• CDFW (SOSC)

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

    Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board                    

    Ventura County Watershed Protection District

1-START

6 - CAF&W

2 - Local

12 -  PRP

122  - C/U Contractors