After a construction crew accidentally ruptured a crude oil pipeline in East Los Angeles early Friday morning, cleanup crews continue to work to contain and remove oil that spilled into a local intersection and the Los Angeles River. The spill released at least 2,400 gallons of crude oil, posing risks to wildlife and water quality as the contamination moved downstream toward the Port of Long Beach.
Emergency responders deployed booms and oil-absorbing pads approximately ten miles downstream in an effort to control the spread. Officials are closely monitoring air quality as a precaution due to the toxic nature of the spill. The pipeline, which transports crude oil from Kern County to the Port of Long Beach, was shut off within 30 minutes of discovery. The shut-off valve responsible for stopping the flow is located near Dodger Stadium.
Environmental authorities, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), remain on site with wildlife officers and contamination specialists. The Oiled Wildlife Care Network has rescued at least 25 birds affected by the spill; these animals were collected by trained responders from institutions such as UC Davis and International Bird Rescue and are now receiving treatment at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center.
Long Beach city officials are coordinating with the Unified Command to assess and respond to the contamination's impact on the LA River. Oil sheens were observed near several key points, including the PCH bridge, prompting the placement of additional oil-absorbing booms at multiple locations along the river such as Willow Street, Ocean Boulevard, and Golden Shore.
Local services have also mobilized to reach vulnerable populations living along the riverbanks, offering outreach and information about the spill. Businesses affected by the incident can file claims via a dedicated hotline, while residents who notice oil in the river are encouraged to report sightings to the Long Beach Fire Department.