Torch Energy Services
The spill released at least 163 barrels of petroleum products into the Pacific Ocean effecting the beaches and rocky intertidal areas from Minuteman Beach to the Boathouse on Vandenberg Air Force Base (17 miles of coastline). The most heavily oiled area was Surf Beach, with some stretches of the beach having greater than 50% of their surface area below the high tide line covered with oil and tides moved oil through the intertidal zone and along the coast. The estuaries at San Antonio Creek, Honda Creek and the Santa Ynez River were impacted In addition important habitat was impacted. injury to mussels and abalone.
- Date/Time Frame
- September 28,1997
- Statute
- OPA
- State
- California
- Substances
- crude oil, diesel, anti-corrosion chemicals
- Injury
- Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Sediment, Surface Water, Wetlands
Consent Decrees:
2002.08.20
- Federal Trustees:
- Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Air Force
- State Trustees:
- California Dept. of Fish and Game, California State Lands Comission
- Potentially Responsible Parties:
- Torch Energy Services Inc (formerly known as Torch Operating Company; Torch Nuevo Energy Company Nuevo and Black Hawk Oil Gas Company Black Hawk)