Santa Barbara Oil Spill

On May 19, 2015, an underground pipeline owned and operated by Houston, Texas-based Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., ruptured, releasing up to 105,000 gallons of crude oil into the delicate California coastal environment near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County. The oil spill has contaminated about four miles of California coasts and pristine beaches and has created a nine-mile slick of crude oil in the ocean that continues to threaten health, safety, marine life, fishing, wildlife and other planned recreational activities over the Memorial Day weekend, and has marred the start of the summer tourist season. The governor of California issued a state of emergency on May 20, 2015, and a fishing ban and closure of beaches remain in effect for the surrounding area.

According to federal records, Plains All American has accumulated over 175 safety and maintenance infractions since 2006. Data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shows Plains’ rate of incidents per mile of pipe is more than three times the national average. Plains Pipeline ranks fifth (5th) among more than 1,700 pipeline operators, in reported infractions as noted in a database maintained by the federal agency.

The lawyers of the Houston law firm of Spagnoletti Law Firm have more than a century of combined experience in handling litigation cases involving personal injury and business disputes arising from oil and gas pipeline operations. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn about your rights if you or someone you know has been affected by the Plains All American Pipeline spill at the Refugio State Beach oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.