Jury convicts pipeline company in 2015 spill that put tar balls on South Bay beaches

Houston-based Plains All American Pipeline was found guilty by a Santa Barbara County jury of a felony county of failing to properly maintain its pipeline and eight misdemeanor charges, including killing marine mammals and protected birds, according to a statement from California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

“Engaging in this kind of reckless conduct is not just irresponsible—it’s criminal. Today’s verdict should send a message: if you endanger our environment and wildlife, we will hold you accountable,” Becerra said, based on the statement.

The oil spill in May 2015 originated at the Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara where the pipeline company operated. The spill sent oil down the coast, ending up in tar balls on beaches as far south as Manhattan Beach, Long Beach and even San Clemente, resulting in the loss of wildlife.

At first the source of the tar balls was in dispute. Some claimed it was from a natural seepage. But, after tests from crude oil collected in Manhattan Beach matched oil from the All American Pipeline by June, the source was in little doubt.

“It’s unfortunate it takes this long to try and make something right,” said Mayor Steve Napolitano. “The spill was another reminder that we need checks and rechecks of our fuel infrastructure to prevent these things in the future. This was a small spill that had a big impact and we can’t afford it anymore.”

Wayne Powell, who was mayor of Manhattan Beach at the time, said he spent two weeks at the beach cleanup with the investigation team. Later, State Sen. Ben Allen held an inquiry into the spill.

“Hopefully, the guilty verdicts will send a strong message to all offshore oil drilling companies that there are significant criminal consequences and civil liability resulting from such reprehensible criminal conduct, and that it prevents similar future oil spills and tarball wash-ups,” Powell said.

In a statement following the verdict, the company said it took responsibility for the accident, but would consider its legal options in appealing certain aspects of the jury’s verdict.

“We are committed to doing the right thing,” the company said.