HomeOSPR NRDA Avila II
Avila II
Numerous pipeline leaks lasting several decades, under the beach and town of Avila Beach resulted in an underground plume of oil products. This eventually created a threat to public health and to the environment. Much of the beachfront section of the town was excavated in 1999-2000. Site remediation was completed on November 29, 2000.
LOCATION: Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County
DATE: Chronic through November 2000
INCIDENT SUMMARY: Numerous pipeline leaks lasting several decades, under the beach and town of Avila Beach resulted in an underground plume of oil products. This eventually created a threat to public health and to the environment. Much of the beachfront section of the town was excavated in 1999-2000. Site remediation was completed on November 29, 2000.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Unocal
NATURAL RESOURCE TRUSTEES: California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
RESOURCES IMPACTED: Recreational beach use; intertidal wildlife and habitat; birds; fish.
SETTLEMENT DETAILS: The trustees settled the NRDA portion of the case for $6 million. $3.5 million was allocated to compensate for recreational beach use impacts, while $2.5 million was allocated to compensate for injuries to wildlife and habitat.
STATUS OF RESTORATION: Restoration projects now in progress; see Final Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan for details.
Final Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan (PDF)
Melissa Boggs
Email: Melissa.Boggs@wildlife.ca.gov
Last update : 12/31/2020 12:39:29 PM