A small oil spill from a pipeline near Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor Aug. 4 forced the closure of roads in the area for the cleanup.
A caller leaving the harbor reported seeing a black, oil-like substance spraying from an unknown source around 7:20 p.m., according to the California Office of Emergency Services.
Reports to the state indicated about 40 gallons of oil had spilled around 1200 Spinnaker Drive. Ventura Fire Department is leading the hazardous materials response.
Ventura police and Ventura Harbor Patrol were assisting with traffic control in the area. Portions of Spinnaker were closed to traffic, and drivers were directed through adjacent parking lots to exit the harbor.
The state report indicates a tree had fallen and damaged a valve but fire Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson said he could not confirm how the spill started. The oil had not entered the water, he said.
The oil was kept to a secondary containment area, according to the state report. Operators of the pipeline had been called to the area to assist with cleanup.
Stacie N. Galang is news director of the Ventura County Star. She can be reached at 805-437-0222 or stacie.galang@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Small oil spill near Ventura Harbor closes nearby streets for cleanup
