Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — County officials are encouraging East Los Angeles businesses affected by last month’s crude oil spill to seek assistance filing compensation claims for financial losses, property damage and other spill-related costs.
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity is providing direct assistance to businesses impacted by the May 22 spill, which occurred when an underground crude oil pipeline was struck by a telecommunications contractor.
According to county officials, Pacific Pipeline System LLC’s 14-inch crude oil pipeline at 400 N. Eastern Ave. was identified as the source of an approximately 587-barrel oil release. Some of the oil entered the storm drain system and flowed into the Los Angeles River.
Businesses that experienced financial losses, property damage, cleanup expenses or disruptions to operations may be eligible to seek compensation through Pacific Pipeline System LLC, officials said. Potential claimants can begin the process by calling 877-817-5465 to reach a third-party claims administrator.
The county’s Office of Small Business is offering one-on-one assistance to help business owners prepare and submit claims.
“This is a critical moment to stand with the communities of East Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles, which have long borne the burden of environmental injustice,” county Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement.
“While the crude oil spill originated from a private company and the state is leading the response and recovery efforts, Los Angeles County is committed to doing everything within its authority to support affected residents and businesses,” Solis added. “The effects of this incident are already being felt across these communities, and we must act with urgency to protect public health, support economic recovery, and help residents and business owners move forward.”
Department of Economic Opportunity Director Kelly LoBianco said the agency is working to ensure business owners understand the claims process and have access to available assistance.
“Disruptions like this can be confusing and costly for businesses, and [the department] is here to make sure they are not left to navigate the process alone,” LoBianco said. “Our office of small business is providing hands-on support to help impacted businesses document losses, prepare claims, and pursue available compensation. We encourage any business affected by the spill to contact us.”
County officials said claims must include a specific dollar amount and supporting documentation. Records that may be needed include business licenses, financial statements, sales reports, bank statements, photographs of damage, canceled contracts, payroll records, repair estimates and cleanup receipts.
Business owners can obtain assistance by visiting the Office of Small Business East Los Angeles Entrepreneurship Center at 4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., calling 844-432-4900 or emailing osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
