Greka Spills Again Again
Crude Oil Leaks Into Creek
A Santa Barbara County Hazardous Materials Unit joined federal Environmental Protection Agency and State Fish and Game officials to respond to yet another Greka oil spill on Monday morning, March 3. The leak was located on the Greka Cal lease at 527 Dominion Road in Santa Maria. Firefighters responding to the initial call found crude spilling from a section of the Cal 41 pipeline that traverses over a creek. Greka employees deployed oil absorbent boons to help stem contamination of the creek. A county hazardous materials specialist found that the oil had traveled three-quarters of a mile downstream. Officials supervising the cleanup reported that there were no detectable levels of toxic fumes nor was there an immediate threat to public safety. In total, an estimated two to four barrels (84 to 168 gallons) escaped before the leak stopped. Greka announced that it plans to have the spill cleaned up by the end of the week.
