Construction Crews at Work Near Oil Pipeline in Gaviota After State Orders Sable to Cease Unpermitted Work
Sable Offshore was issued a notice of violation by the California Coastal Commission on September 27 for failing to obtain the proper coastal development permits for construction work on oil pipelines on the Gaviota Coast. While the notice ordered Sable to cease their unpermitted activities in the area immediately, construction crews remained active on the Gaviota hillside on Friday, October 4. Sable has been working to restart pipeline 901/903 (now Line 324/325), which has been stagnant since its rupture in the Refugio Oil Spill nearly a decade ago.
Two Caterpillar excavators and multiple pick-up trucks with the letters “PCS” written on the sides were mobile at Sable’s sites, with at least 20 construction workers present. One excavator was moving a large pile of dirt directly next to a sign that read “Warning: Crude Oil Pipeline.” Line 901/903 is the only crude oil pipeline in the immediate vicinity, according to the United States Department of Transportation’s National Pipeline Mapping System.
The September 27 notice stated that Sable was conducting a “pipeline upgrade project to address pipeline corrosion in locations within the Coastal Zone and to install new safety valves in portions of the pipeline” — all actions that must adhere to coastal development permit requirements. Sable must obtain authorization under the California Coastal Act in the Coastal Commission’s jurisdiction, and/or Santa Barbara County’s Local Coastal Plan under the county’s jurisdiction. In the meantime, the Coastal Commission’s notice told Sable to “please cease immediately any unpermitted activities/development in the Coastal Zone.”
One excavator on Friday was moving a large pile of dirt directly next to a sign that read “Warning: Crude Oil Pipeline.” | Credit: Tevin Schmitt/Wishtoyo Foundation & Ventura Coastkeeper
This comes after Santa Barbara County entered into a settlement agreement with Sable on August 30, stating they were preempted from having any jurisdiction over a potential pipeline restart.
Jo Ginsberg, enforcement analyst for the Coastal Commission, recommended in the notice that Sable apply for an “after-the-fact” coastal development permit from Santa Barbara County, the regulating authority in this case. She also mentioned that the Coastal Commission was “uncertain… whether Santa Barbara County would be able to approve [an after-the-fact coastal development plan] from Sable,” or authorization going forward, for that matter.
Even if Santa Barbara County were to grant an after-the-fact permit to Sable, Ginsberg added that the Coastal Commission reserves the right to appeal the decision for portions of the project within their appeals jurisdiction.
The notice also mentioned that Santa Barbara County declined to enforce Sable’s violations, leaving enforcement actions to the Coastal Commission.
Santa Barbara County declined to provide additional details regarding their jurisdiction.
“Sable Offshore is working with all agencies to ensure all of our work is in compliance with our existing permits and federal and state statutes,” said Steve Rusch, Sable’s vice president of environmental and regulatory affairs. “We look forward to being an important part of the California energy solution and working through these issues which come with increased scrutiny.”
Two Caterpillar and multiple pick-up trucks with the letters “PCS” written on the sides were mobile at Sable’s sites on Friday. | Credit: Tevin Schmitt/Wishtoyo Foundation & Ventura Coastkeeper
Related Posts
California Bans ‘Reusable’ Plastic Grocery Bags, Sues Exxon for Alleged Decades of Deception About Plastic Recycling
By Callie Fausey | Thu Oct 03, 2024
Legislators and Enviros Call for Fresh Environmental Review of Plans to Restart Offshore Oil Drilling in Santa Barbara County
By Margaux Lovely | Wed Oct 02, 2024
Scientists Use Drones to Track White Sharks Along California Beaches
By Harrison Tasoff, UCSB's 'The Current' | Mon Sep 30, 2024
Most Read
Recent News
Suspect in Custody After Santa Barbara City College Put on Lockdown Due to ‘Active Assailant’
By Nick Welsh & Jackson Friedman | Fri Oct 04, 2024
A Grand Vision: The People Shaping Santa Barbara’s State Street
By Ryan P. Cruz and Margaux Lovely | Photos by Ingrid Bostrom | Wed Oct 02, 2024
A Blessed Life: My Father, the Preacher, the Santa Barbara Legend
By Watsuki Harrington | Thu Oct 03, 2024
Pro-Trump Rally ‘Cruises’ Through Santa Barbara Area
By Christina McDermott | Tue Oct 01, 2024
String of Fatal Vehicle Collisions Claim Three Lives in Santa Barbara County
By Hadeel Eljarrari | Tue Oct 01, 2024
Gavin Newsom Signs Ban on Artificial Food Dyes in School Snacks and Drinks. What to Know
By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters | Sun Oct 06, 2024
UC Santa Barbara Men’s Basketball Holds Free Clinic at Page Youth Center
By Victor Bryant | Sun Oct 06, 2024
Santa Barbara Drops Conejo Coast League Opener to Unbeaten Newbury Park 35-6
By Victor Bryant | Sun Oct 06, 2024
Review | beabadoobee’s This Is How Tomorrow Moves Tour
By Kat Sophia | Sat Oct 05, 2024
Santa Barbara’s Iconic Chaucer’s Books Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Weeks of Festivities
By Hadeel Eljarrari | Sat Oct 05, 2024
The post Construction Crews at Work Near Oil Pipeline in Gaviota After State Orders Sable to Cease Unpermitted Work appeared first on The Santa Barbara Independent.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings