California Pipeline IncidentS: 1986-2019

A broken coastal oil pipeline near Santa Barbara spewed tens of thousands of gallons of oil into the Pacific Ocean in 2015. Plain All American Pipeline, the operator that was found criminally liable for the spill, is now trying to build a new pipeline along the same route. These oil pipelines pose a toxic threat to people and wildlife across California.

This new time-lapse video documents every significant hazardous liquid pipeline incident in California from 1986 to February 2019. Since 1986, the Golden State has suffered 707 hazardous liquid pipeline leaks, spills and other significant incidents, killing nine people and spill almost 9.5 million gallons of oil and other toxic liquids.

These dirty and dangerous pipelines highlight the broader risks of oil and gas production in our oceans and on land. Drilling and fracking for oil and gas causes fouled beaches, dead wildlife and serious risks to human health and safety.

 



This video originally appeared on the Center's YouTube channel.


* Data source: U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

 

Kalamazoo pipeline spill photo courtesy Flickr/k6martini