Air monitoring Tuesday indicated no hazardous emissions from a broken pipeline that spilled at least 2,400 gallons of crude oil onto East Los Angeles streets and into the Los Angeles River toward the Port of Long Beach over the weekend, authorities said.
More than 50 animals were covered in oil, leading to the deaths of five, animal rescuers reported.
The pipeline that carries oil from Kern County to the Port of Long Beach broke when a crew installing fiber optic cable cut into it Friday around 3 a.m.
Firefighters responded to spill centered in the area of East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern avenues, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson, who said oil was visible in the intersection.
The pipeline operator shut down the flow within 30 minutes of being notified of the rupture, according to the Fire Department. The pipeline’s shut-off valve is near Dodger Stadium.
It was unclear how much time repairs and cleanup work will require.
Businesses impacted by the spill can file a claim by calling 877-817-5465, according to the county.
“Petroleum product entered storm drains and was released into the Los Angeles River. Investigation into the cause and volume is ongoing,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Eric Laughlin said in a statement Friday. “(Office of Spill Prevention and Response) personnel on scene include wildlife officers, environmental scientists and oil spill prevention specialists.”
Members of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network were notified to initiate wildlife response, Laughlin said.
OWCN officials said Saturday that oiled birds have been collected from the area by trained disaster responders from UC Davis, Aquarium of the Pacific and International Bird Rescue.
“The birds have been transported to the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center where additional OWCN responders are providing initial care prior to cleaning,” according to the organization.
Some of the oil that reached the Los Angeles River contaminated 51 birds and two reptiles, which were receiving treatment, the OWCN reported Tuesday. Forty-seven birds and one reptile remained in care.
State officials added that crews were making progress at strengthening measures to contain the oil during cleanup and recovery.
Close monitoring of conditions in the river in coordination with the other agencies and on-site visual assessments was underway, Long Beach officials said. On Saturday, an oil sheen was observed near the Pacific Coast Highway bridge, prompting crews to place oil-absorbing booms at multiple areas along the river, including Willow Street, PCH, Ocean Boulevard and the approach to Golden Shore.
Long Beach homeless services workers did outreach along the river to offer services and inform area residents about the spill.
To report an oil sheen in the LA River, contact the Long Beach Fire Department at 562-436-8211.
