Video Blog: Southern California Oil Spill
Catch the latest from a recent oil spill affecting the coast
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KYMA, KECY/CBS) - According to Huntington Beach residents, some began to smell oil in the air on Friday. However, reports confirming the oil spill did not come in until Saturday morning.
Investigators claim the oil spill came from an offshore rig operated by Beta Offshore, an affiliate of Amplify Energy. Amplify is one of the largest oil producers in Southern California.
About 5 miles off the coast, the rig is called "Elly," was built in 1980, and processes crude oil from two other platforms.
According to authorities, over 126,000 gallons of oil leaked from the offshore oil rig and started washing ashore in Orange County into the coastal waters.
Health authorities have since deemed the situation a “potential ecological disaster."
The oil slick has impacted almost 6 miles from the Huntington Beach pier to the Balboa pier, closing beaches from the Santa Ana River jetty to the Huntington Beach pier.
Not only were the beaches closed, but the Pacific Airshow's schedule was also interrupted. The third day was ultimately cancelled due to the oil spill.
Authorities say tourists would have gotten in the way of cleanup; not to mention their lives could potentially be at risk if they stayed in the tainted waters for a long period of time.
The CEO for Amplify Energy Martyn Wilshire shared, "We are fully committed to being out here until this incident is fully concluded and we are working closely with the coast guard, the fish and wildlife, state agencies and local communities to help with all of the recovery efforts."
Wildlife offices urge locals to not pick up an injured bird or help marine life. Instead they are encouraged to call authorities.
