Platform IRENE potential spill; Off Point Arguello, CA

Off Point Arguello, CA | 2012-Aug-24

Initial Notification: At 1000hrs (local time), USCG District 11 Command Center contacted their NOAA SSC about a potential release from Platform IRENE off Point Arguello, just to the North & West of Santa Barbara Channel. A pressure drop was detected on one of Platform IRENE’s production lines with a reported maximum potential volume of 31,000 gallons crude. No product has been observed on the surface by platform workers on-scene. An Oil Spill Response Vessel (OSRV) is on-scene and transiting the pipeline corridor connecting Platform IRENE to shore to look for product on the surface. In addition, a helicopter overflight is being scheduled with the local Sheriff’s office and a USCG C-130 overflight may occur later in the day. A precautionary “what-if” trajectory has been requested.