CDFW Spill Prevention & Response

Reducing collisions between ships & whales is among the many efforts of CA Harbor Safety Committees, of which OSPR helps support. This recent news story highlights efforts by the committees and others to reduce whale strikes. kron4.com/kron-4-plus-sh…

The idle pipeline released crude oil in November 2025 after it ruptured above the creek, which leads to the Santa Clara River. No visibly oiled wildlife was observed over the course of the response. The amount of oil and other materials recovered is still being assessed.

The active recovery operations, which involved removal of contaminated sediment with heavy equipment and hand crews, have transitioned into passive recovery techniques utilizing absorbents to collect remaining oil.

FINAL UPDATE: Active oil recovery operations have concluded in the intermittent creek bed impacted by a pipeline spill in the San Martinez Grande Canyon near Santa Clarita.

Some fuel did make it into a nearby storm drain, but it was contained and did not impact the San Gabriel River. A contractor was hired to conduct the clean-up. No visibly oiled wildlife observed.

OSPR crew responded to tanker truck accident in Los Angeles County near Cerritos Sunday. Approximately 7, 800 gallons of jet fuel was released onto eastbound Highway 91.

Lt. Dave McNair and Wildlife Officer Ryan Galapir also held a demonstration featuring K-9 Kimbo.

OSPR staff held an Earth Day outreach assembly at Arlington Elementary in Los Angeles County this week. Staff helped students understand OSPR’s role in protecting the environment and about how we respond to oil spills statewide.

and disposal of the drum. Illegal dumping is a crime and OSPR reminds boaters who see something to report it to the CALTIP hotline at 1-888-334-2258. (2/2)

OSPR crew responded to the Sacramento River near Downtown Sacramento Thursday, where a 55 gallon drum containing petroleum products was found caught up on an active fish trap. The crew worked w/ @CaliforniaDFW Fisheries Branch & a contractor to coordinate the safe removal (1/2)

OSPR crew assessed Canyon Creek near Dutch Flat at I-80, where a semi truck accident took place Friday. It was determined that no fuel was discharged and no impacts to the waterway were observed.

Conditions were safe enough Thursday for crews to remove all fuel and hazardous materials on board. No visibly oiled wildlife observed.

OSPR crew responded to an abandoned vessel in San Mateo County, north of the Dumbarton Bridge Wednesday. Minor fuel sheening was observed. Working in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, a contractor was hired to remove the pollution threat.

Crews were able to clean up the product without incident. Recovery of sawdust the truck was also carrying will be ongoing.

OSPR crew responded to a semi truck accident in Tehama County Tuesday. Diesel and motor oil spilled, threatening Mill Creek. Upon investigation it was determined the product did not enter the waterway, but did impact the bank of the creek.

OSPR crew responded to a sunken fishing vessel at the Eureka Public Marina in Humboldt County. Sorbent boom and absorbent pads were deployed from the City of Eureka’s OSPR-granted trailer. The vessel was raised over the weekend and will be towed and removed this week.

Media inquiries for the ongoing response can be directed to communications@yubawater.org

Yuba Water Agency will continue their operations to repair their facility and stabilize the surrounding terrain. Any updates regarding the ongoing response will be distributed by the Yuba Water Agency.

FINAL UPDATE: A Unified Command consisting of CDFW-OSPR and Yuba Water Agency has concluded response efforts for the Yuba River north of Englebright Lake, where oil and debris were discharged after a Feb. 13 water line rupture at the Colgate Powerhouse.