Avila II

Graphic California map showing the locations of MV Kure spill

A sandy beach with playground and buildings

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.

Available Documents

Contact

Lindsey Saum
Email: Lindsey.Saum@wildlife.ca.gov
Phone: (831) 649-2887

Last update : 5/30/2023 3:01:25 PM

Contact Us

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
(916) 445-0411 for General CDFW Information

Office of Spill Prevention and Response
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
(916) 375-8580 for OSPR Information

Report Oil Spills
(800) 852-7550 or (800) OILS-911

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