EAST LOS ANGELES, CA – Officials have revealed that a major drilling accident on May 22 released roughly 25,000 gallons of crude oil into East Los Angeles—nearly ten times the initial estimate of 2,400 gallons.
The massive spill flowed directly into local storm drains and the Los Angeles River, making it one of the largest oil spills in the river’s recent history.
Three Companies Cited Following Investigation
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued official notices of violation to three companies involved in the incident:
- Arcadian Infracom
- HP Communications
- Camarillo Drilling
The citations come after inspectors responded to numerous public complaints regarding strong petroleum odors. One of the primary complaints came from nearby Esteban E. Torres High School. Investigators traced the source of the fumes back to the drilling site located near Eastern and Cesar Chavez avenues.
Public Health and Local Impact
The incident forced extended road closures and triggered widespread health warnings. According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, the lingering petroleum fumes may cause or worsen several symptoms for residents, including:
- Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
- Severe breathing problems, including asthma flare-ups
Financial Claims and Legal Action
The spill is expected to carry significant financial consequences. Local residents and business owners who suffered property damage, business interruptions, or cleanup costs are being urged to file financial claims directly with the pipeline operator, Pacific Pipeline System.
If the current notices of violation are not resolved through legal settlements, the cited companies could face major civil lawsuits under California’s Health and Safety Code, which strictly prohibits emissions that cause a public nuisance or injury.
Community groups, including the Maravilla Community Advisory Committee, are currently pushing for a public town hall and demanding full disclosure of all environmental test results.
