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Torch/Platform Irene Oil Spill Restoration
In September 1997, a pipeline owned or
operated by Torch Operating Company, Nuevo
Energy Company, and Black Hawk Oil & Gas
Company ruptured offshore from Vandenberg
Air Force Base (VAFB) spilling crude oil
into the environment. The spill fouled
miles of sandy and rocky coast west of
Lompoc and wildlife was oiled, including
an estimated 800 seabirds along the coast.
The Department of the Interior through the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the California Department
of Fish and Game (CDFG/OSPR), the California State
Lands Commission (CSLC), and the United States Air
Force, VAFB are the Trustees for the natural resources
injured or damaged by the spill. The Trustees are authorized
by federal and state law to assess the injuries and
damage caused by the spill, to recover damages or monetary
compensation, and to use the damages recovered to restore,
rehabilitate, replace, or acquire the equivalent of
the affected natural resources.
Santa Barbara County worked with
the Trustee agencies to identify potential
restoration projects for the natural
and recreational resources impacted
by the oil spill. The trustees have
approximately $1.9 million from the
Natural Resources Damage Assessment
settlement to fund restoration projects.
Proposed restoration projects were
presented and alternatives evaluated
in the Draft Torch/Platform Irene Oil
Spill Restoration Plan. The Draft Plan
was circulated for public review and
comment and the Final Plan was released
October 24, 2007. The Final Plan responds
to comments on the Draft Plan and details
the selected restoration projects to
be implemented. It is available at:
www.dfg.ca.gov/ospr/spill/nrda/nrda_irene.html
For more information, please contact
Heather Allen at (805) 568-2043, hallen@co.santa-barbara.ca.us or
Melissa Boggs-Blalack at OSPR, mboggs@ospr.dfg.ca.gov.
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