The governor of California declared a state of emergency two days after a ruptured pipeline leaked an estimated 21,000 gallons of oil off the California shore. The leak was first reported in southern California on Tuesday afternoon. The Plains All American Pipeline which built the busted pipeline in 1991, said “Plains deeply regrets this release has occurred and is making every effort to limit its environmental impact.” However this spill is having a great effect not only on the beach goers for the up coming Memorial Day weekend but on the wildlife as well.
Crews are working around the clock to clean up this massive spill which has spread greatly. According to reports oil could be seen on every inch of Refugio Beach and the smell of oil was heavily present in the air. The state beach will remained closed indefinitely.
Wildlife is also being affected tremendously. According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife at least two pelicans are dead and five have been rescued and are in rehabilitation. Approximately 272 people are taking part in the wildlife rescue and are searching the areas for oil covered animals.
Officials have stated there’s a potential for this spill to get much worse. It is possible that much more oil leaked into the Pacific ocean through the faulty pipeline with a worst case scenario at 105,000 gallons.
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