Investigation continues as agencies monitor impacts to the Los Angeles River
According to a May 22 news release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), multiple agencies are responding to an oil spill in Los Angeles County after a crude oil pipeline ruptured near East Cesar Chavez Avenue and North Eastern Avenue, sending petroleum product into nearby storm drains and ultimately into the Los Angeles River.
CDFW’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) reported that response and recovery operations are underway as officials work to contain and assess the release. At press time, the total volume of oil discharged had not yet been determined and remains under investigation.
OSPR personnel deployed to the incident include wildlife officers, environmental scientists, and oil spill prevention specialists coordinating environmental assessment and cleanup efforts.
The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) has also been notified and remains on standby should wildlife rehabilitation efforts become necessary. According to the release, no observations of oiled wildlife had been reported as of the latest update.
Authorities continue investigating both the cause of the rupture and the extent of contamination.
CDFW stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available and confirmed by the response team. Updates can be followed through OSPR’s official social media account, @CalSpillWatch.
