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Graphic California map showing the locations of Platform Irene spill A bird coverd in mineral deposits
 

Torch / Platform Irene Oil Spill

  • LOCATION: Offshore and coastline, northern Santa Barbara County
  • DATE: September 28, 1997
  • INCIDENT SUMMARY: An undersea pipeline, linking the offshore oil platform Irene with the mainland, ruptured and released oil into the ocean. The oil formed surface slicks and washed ashore, primarily at Surf Beach, Vandenberg Air Force Base.
  • RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Torch Operating Company
  • NATURAL RESOURCE TRUSTEES: California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; California State Lands Commission; United States Fish and Wildlife Service; United States Dept. of Defense (Vandenberg Air Force Base)
  • RESOURCES IMPACTED: Birds (over 700 estimated killed); sandy and rocky shoreline habitat; recreational beach use.
  • SETTLEMENT DETAILS: The trustees settled the NRDA portion of the case for $1.9 million.
  • STATUS OF RESTORATION: October 2007 Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment complete; restoration projects in progress.

Available Documents

Administrative Record Index:

The Torch Trustee Council Administrative Record can be viewed at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office located at 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003, telephone number (805) 644-1766.

Contact Information

Jennifer Gold
Email: Jennifer.Gold@wildlife.ca.gov
Phone: (805)-560-6758

Page Last Updated: December 3, 2012