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Graphic California map showing the locations of Arco / Santa Clara spill Bare trees in a valley with hills and clouds.
 

ARCO / Santa Clara River Oil Spill

  • LOCATION: Santa Clara River in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
  • DATE: January 17, 1994
  • INCIDENT SUMMARY: A pipeline break during the Northridge Earthquake resulted in the spill of over 190,000 gallons of crude oil. Oil entered the Santa Clara River near Interstate 5 and continued 16 miles downstream.
  • RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO)
  • NATURAL RESOURCE TRUSTEES: California Department of Fish and Game; United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • RESOURCES IMPACTED: Fish (including the Unarmoured Threespine Stickleback); riparian vegetation (approximately 100 acres destroyed); birds, mammals, and other riparian and aquatic animals.
  • SETTLEMENT DETAILS: The trustees settled the NRDA portion of the case for $7.1 million.
  • STATUS OF RESTORATION: Final Restoration Plan, restoration projects in progress.

Available Documents

Contact Information

Steve Hampton
Email: SHampton@dfg.ca.gov
Phone: 916-323-4724

Page Last Updated: July 1, 2011