Plains All American Pipeline said as many as 105,000 gallons of oil were released from its pipeline that ruptured near Santa Barbara, Calif., earlier this week. Via the Los Angeles Times, the company said that figure represents a “worst-case scenario” based on the line’s elevation and flow rate. Plains said the spill followed a series of mechanical problems — including pressure abnormalities — that prompted a shutdown.
An estimated 21,000 gallons of oil leaked into the Pacific Ocean near Refugio State Beach. Cleanup crews have raked, skimmed and vacuumed more than 7,700 gallons of oil, according to a report by the Associated Press. Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency.
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