Another oil leak has contaminated a stretch of beach as well as the ocean.
Some 21,000 gallons of crude oil spilled onto land and sea in southern California due to a broken pipeline.
A slick four miles long hit Refugio State Beach and then spread about 50 yards into the ocean, according to Andrea Anderson of the Coast Guard.
The impact on wildlife and on the environment is not yet known. "We haven't seen any reports of impacts on wildlife but it is in the water so it is impacting the environment," said Richard Abrams, emergency manager for Santa Barbara county.
The ruptured pipe was eventually secured but the cause of the problem has not been determined.
The company responsible for the pipeline, Plains All American Pipeline, said it turned off the oil flow after the breach occurred and activated emergency procedures.
It has brought in a firm to begin clear-up operations, accompanied by the Coast Guard and local authorities.
"Plains deeply regrets this release has occurred and is making every effort to limit its environmental impact. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of all involved," the company said in a statement.
The US claims to adhere strictly to industrial safety rules yet still accidents happen.
Ministers dedicated to turning the Algarve's coastline into a hydroccarbon extraction zone would do well to bear this in mind as the region currently provides 40% of the country's income from tourism. This could end overnight if there is an oil spill affecting the coastline.
Those that say 'it could never happen' work in the industry, or are paid by the industry to say so.
