EPA officially orders Plains All American Pipeline to clean up Refugio oil spill

Today the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard officially ordered Plains All American Pipeline to clean up the Refugio Beach oil spill caused by a failure of its nearby pipeline. The joint order, authorized under the Clean Water Act, serves to ensure that Plains will continues its work inland, on the beach, and in the ocean, to contain the oil and prevent further shoreline contamination. The order establishes federally enforceable timelines and cleanup requirements for the long-term response action that will be required.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-officially-orders-plains-all-american-pipeline-to-clean-up-refugio-oil-spill

EPA awards $192,300 environmental jobs training grant to Fresno group

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has awarded a $192,300 grant for environmental jobs training to a Fresno employment, education, and training service organization. The Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (FRWIB) will use the funds to train 70 students and place at least 60 graduates in environmental related jobs. The environmental fields that will use the workers include recycling, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, pest control, and hazardous waste cleanup.

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 http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-awards-192-300-environmental-jobs-training-grant-to-fresno-group

Plains responds to media criticism of its safety record and Refugio oil spill

Plains All American Pipeline Company, L.P., has responded to media criticism of its safety record and lack of automatic shutoff valves in a pipeline that spilled 2,500 barrels of crude oil, despoiling the Santa Barbara coast and adjoining ocean waters. The spill occurred on May 19, 2015, when crude oil escaped from an apparently broken pipeline, flowed through a culvert under Highway 101, and onto Refugio beach. The affected coastline has been closed to the public and an intensive cleanup and wildlife rescue operation is currently underway.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/plains-responds-to-media-criticism-of-its-safety-record-and-refugio-oil-spill

 

#Refugio,#Plains,#oilspill

Plains oil spill in Santa Barbara reveals some interesting information

On Tuesday morning, May 19, 2015, something happened to an onshore pipeline belonging to Plains All American Pipeline Company, LP., near Santa Barbara, CA. Approximately 2,500 barrels of crude oil was released from what has been reported to be a break in that pipeline. The oil flowed into a nearby storm drain culvert that went under California Highway 101 and made its way to Refugio Beach, contaminating both the beach and the Pacific Ocean.

However, a review of several media reports, statements from the pipeline owner, government officials, other oil company representatives, and others has revealed some interesting responses and tidbits of information that all will be factored into explaining the event, minimizing the chances of it happening again, and determining the ultimate responsibility, fines, and resultant costs. It may also help to influence the future of energy development and usage in Santa Barbara County and elsewhere.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/plains-oil-spill-santa-barbara-reveals-some-interesting-information