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Today in History: Crude oil spill contaminates Gaviota Coast in California

5/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On May 19, 2015, a corroded pipeline near Refugio State Beach, California, spilled 142,800 gallons of crude oil, severely contaminating the Gaviota Coast, one of the West Coast's most biologically diverse areas. The spill prompted a cleanup costing approximately $96 million and led to financial losses for the county estimated at $74 million.

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Story summary

On May 19, 2015, a corroded pipeline near Refugio State Beach, California, spilled 142,800 gallons of crude oil, severely contaminating the Gaviota Coast, one of the West Coast's most biologically diverse areas. The spill prompted a cleanup costing approximately $96 million and led to financial losses for the county estimated at $74 million.