Plains All American Pipeline is planning two open house events for the public to learn more about its plans to replace a failed pipeline.
In May 2015, one of the company’s pipelines ruptured and spilled more than 100,000 gallons of crude oil near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County. Some of that oil flowed into the Pacific Ocean, killing hundreds of birds and marine mammals.
In September 2018, Plains was found guilty of one felony and eight misdemeanor criminal charges related to the oil spill. It’s also facing several lawsuits.
Now, the company wants to replace the failed pipeline and restore crude oil pipeline transportation between Santa Barbara and Kern counties.
The first open house will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the South County Regional Center, located at 800 W. Branch St. in Arroyo Grande.
The second open house will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Santa Maria Inn, located at 801 S. Broadway in Santa Maria.
Both events will take place from 3:30-7 p.m.
Plains has also set up a website for the project.
Last week, the San Luis Obispo City Council passed a resolution opposing the oil pipeline. The proposal is under consideration by Santa Barbara County officials.
