Wave Wire Services
EAST LOS ANGELES — Cleanup continued May 27 following an oil spill from a broken pipeline that sent at least 2,400 gallons onto an intersection and into the Los Angeles River and toward the Port of Long Beach, affecting birds and other wildlife.
Booms and oil absorbing pads were deployed about 10 miles downstream from the area where the pipe was broken and air monitoring was ongoing as a precaution after the pipeline, which brings crude oil from Kern County to the Port of Long Beach, was broken by a construction crew laying out a fiber optic line around 3 a.m. May 22.
Firefighters were dispatched to the area of East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern avenues, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department public information officer, who said crude oil was visible in the intersection.
The pipeline operator was notified of the rupture and shut down the flow within 30 minutes of being notified, she said. The shut-off valve is near Dodger Stadium.
It was unclear how long the cleanup might take or when the broken pipeline would be fully repaired and put back into service.
Businesses impacted by the incident can file a claim by calling 877-817-5465, according to a dispatch from the county.
“Petroleum product entered storm drains and was released into the Los Angeles River. Investigation into the cause and volume is ongoing,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Eric Laughlin said at the time of the environmental calamity. “[State] personnel on scene include wildlife officers, environmental scientists and oil spill prevention specialists.”
“The Oiled Wildlife Care Network has been notified and is on standby for wildlife response,” Laughlin added.
At least 25 oiled birds have been rescued, according to officials, who said the wildlife were collected from the area by trained responders from UC Davis, Aquarium of the Pacific and International Bird Rescue.
“The birds have been transported to the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center where additional responders are providing initial care prior to cleaning,” they said.
The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response said that crews were making progress at strengthening measures to contain the oil during cleanup and recovery.
Long Beach officials have been closely monitoring conditions in the Los Angeles River in coordination with the Unified Command and through their own on-site visual assessments.
An oil sheen was first observed near the Pacific Coast Highway bridge in Long Beach May 23, so crews placed oil-absorbing booms at multiple points along the river, including Willow Street, Pacific Coast Highway, Ocean Boulevard and the approach to Golden Shore.
A city homeless services team was conducting outreach along the river to offer services and inform people about the spill.
County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who represents the area where the pipeline was broken, called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
“The environmental impacts of this spill are deeply concerning, and all agencies involved must respond with urgency,” Solis said in a statement.
