Guadalupe Beach; Guadalupe, California

Guadalupe, California | 1994-Apr-14

Initial Notification: An oil production field leased and operated by the UNOCAL Corporation near Guadalupe, California, has for many years been the site of a constant release of a diesel-like substance known as diluent. The diluent, which is a mid-grade condensate product, had been injected into the production wells throughout recent decades to increase the yield from the oilfield. For economic reasons, the practice of injecting diluent into the wells replaced the use of steam during the 1950s. UNOCAL stopped injecting diluent by 1990. Either through poor injection practices or through a faulty pipeline system, diluent was released into the field in large quantities. Current estimates are that there may be as much as 8.5 million gallons of diluent located in various plumes throughout the 2,300 acre site. The diluent plumes are below ground, riding on top of the water table. USCG district 11. Keyword: bioremediation, endangered species, propane cannons, sand replacement, seafood harvesting ban, skimmers.