The California State Fire Marshal’s Office has recently rejected a new risk analysis plan proposed by Sable Offshore for the reopening of a pipeline off the Santa Barbara County coastline. The agency asserts that the plan fails to meet the required higher safety standards. The pipeline in question is the Plains All-American Pipeline, which suffered a rupture in 2015 along Refugio State Beach. The pipeline rupture caused massive pollution and safety hazards.
Pipeline ruptures are extremely dangerous to those working and living nearby, as well as the environment and ecosystem. Due to the risks, the oil and gas injury lawyers at Kherkher Garcia want readers to be informed. Read below to find out more about the recent risk analysis plan, officials’ concerns, as well as the potential hazards of pipeline ruptures.
Plains All-American Pipeline Rupture Details
In May of 2015, a pipeline owned by Plains All-American Pipeline ruptured near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, California. The break caused a significant oil spill, releasing an estimated 2,934 barrels of crude oil onto land, beaches, and into the Pacific Ocean. The cause of the pipeline failure was traced to external corrosion. The spill had a devastating impact on the environment, killing marine life and birds. It also hurt the local economy, harming tourism and fisheries. The cleanup effort was extensive and costly, with Plains All-American Pipeline spending an estimated $96 million on the initial response. The total cost of the spill, including legal settlements, reached an estimated $257 million.
State Fire Marshal’s Office Denies New Risk Analysis Plan
Sable Offshore, a company aiming to restart several decommissioned oil platforms, encountered this setback in its efforts to revive the Plains All-American Pipeline. This pipeline had been shut down since a devastating rupture in 2015 at Refugio State Beach, which resulted in a spill of approximately 140,000 gallons of crude oil, contaminating miles of coastline.
Following the 2015 incident, the pipeline’s closure led to the shutdown of four offshore oil platforms, including the permanent closure of Platform Holly. Sable Offshore is seeking to reactivate the remaining three platforms.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office, responsible for regulating pipeline safety, has this week rejected Sable’s new risk analysis for the pipeline’s proposed restart. State officials argue that the new plan lowers the threshold for what is considered a worst-case disaster. They emphasize that the plan approved in 2021, which imposes stricter safety standards, remains the benchmark that must be adhered to.
What are the Hazards of Pipeline Ruptures?
Pipeline ruptures pose several significant hazards to people, communities, and the environment. Some of the most alarming risks, include:
Public Health Risks:
- Toxic Exposure: Exposure to leaked substances, such as crude oil or natural gas, can pose health risks to nearby communities, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other acute or chronic health effects.
- Water Contamination: Ruptures can contaminate drinking water sources, posing significant health risks to humans and animals.
Environmental Damage:
- Oil Spills: Ruptures can lead to large-scale oil spills, contaminating soil, water bodies, and marine ecosystems. This can result in long-term damage to wildlife and habitats.
- Gas Leaks: Natural gas leaks can contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Wildlife Impact:
- Ruptures can have devastating effects on wildlife, particularly marine and aquatic species, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.
Fire and Explosions:
Leaked gases or volatile liquids can ignite, leading to fires or explosions that can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
Economic Impact:
- Cleanup Costs: Addressing the aftermath of a rupture involves substantial cleanup efforts and costs, which can be financially burdensome for companies and governments.
- Business Disruptions: Pipeline ruptures can disrupt the supply of essential resources like oil and gas, affecting businesses and consumers and leading to economic losses.
Infrastructure Damage:
- Ruptures can cause significant damage to nearby infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, leading to costly repairs and potential long-term disruptions.
Mitigating these hazards involves stringent safety measures, regular maintenance and inspections, robust emergency response plans, and adherence to regulatory standards.
What are Potential Injuries Resulting from Pipeline Ruptures?
Pipeline ruptures can cause a variety of injuries, both immediate and long-term. Those working or living near a pipeline are at risk for a variety of harm, including the following:
Physical Injuries:
- Burns: Explosions or fires resulting from a pipeline rupture can cause severe burns.
- Trauma Injuries: Blast injuries from explosions can lead to fractures, lacerations, and internal injuries.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of toxic fumes or smoke can cause respiratory distress, lung damage, or other breathing problems.
Chemical Exposure:
- Poisoning: Exposure to leaked substances, such as crude oil, natural gas, or other chemicals, can lead to poisoning, which may cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, or more severe systemic effects.
- Skin Irritation: Direct contact with leaked substances can cause skin burns, rashes, or other dermatological issues.
Long-Term Health Effects:
- Cancer: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals released during a pipeline rupture, such as benzene or other carcinogens, can increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Long-term inhalation of harmful substances can lead to chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other pulmonary conditions.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Witnessing or experiencing a pipeline rupture can lead to PTSD, characterized by anxiety, flashbacks, and other psychological symptoms.
- Anxiety and Depression: The trauma and disruption caused by a pipeline rupture can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Proper emergency response, medical treatment, and long-term monitoring are crucial to address these potential injuries and mitigate their impact on affected individuals and communities.
How Can a Lawyer Help Victims Affected by a Pipeline Rupture?
A lawyer can provide essential support and advocacy for victims affected by a pipeline rupture. At Kherkher Garcia, we provide legal guidance and support to victims and their families to ensure they recover in a fair and just manner. Some of the ways that we help our clients include:
- Legal Representation: Our lawyers assist victims in filing claims against the responsible parties, such as pipeline operators or companies, to seek compensation for damages.
- Navigating Legal Processes: Our team helps victims understand their legal rights and the legal avenues available for seeking compensation and justice.
- Gathering Evidence: Our lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence of negligence or wrongdoing by the responsible parties. We work with experts, such as environmental scientists or medical professionals, to provide testimony that supports the victims’ claims.
- Calculating Damages: Prior to negotiating or pursuing recovery, we carefully assess and quantify economic damages, including property damage, loss of income, and medical expenses. We will also seek compensation for applicable non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Negotiating Settlements: Our lawyers are skilled negotiators. We will negotiate with the responsible parties or their insurers to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates the victims.
- Trial Representation: We represent victims in court if a settlement cannot be reached, advocating for their rights and seeking justice.
By providing these services, our lawyers help victims navigate the complex legal landscape, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation and support they need to recover from the impacts of a pipeline rupture.
