CLEANUP AND EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL AND FUEL OIL SPILLS IN OSITO CANYON: A COMPARISON
ABSTRACT In July 1981, a crude oil spill from a pipeline break occurred in Osito Canyon near Castaic, California. In April 1984, a tank truck accident on Interstate Route 5 resulted in a fuel oil spill into a tributary canyon to Osito Canyon. Although the spills occurred at virtually the same location, the amounts spilled, the extent of the canyons contaminated, and the cleanup methods used produced different recovery results. The spillers assumed financial responsibility for cleanup actions and complied with the concerns and recommendations of government officials. The Environmental Protection Agency served as the on-scene coordinator, while the U. S. Forest Service and the U. S. Coast Guard's Pacific Strike Team provided on-site monitors and technical assistance. Impact from the spills appeared to be negligible on the chaparral type vegetation and sparse concentration of wildlife in the area. Effects from the spills were not lasting, and no environmentally sensitive downstream areas were affected.