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More Oil Spills from Greka threaten the environment, endangered species

Release Date: 01/25/2008
Contact Information: Mary Simms, 415-947-4270

(1/25/2008 San Francisco, Calif.) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is assisting the California Department of Fish and Game and Santa Barbara County’s Fire Department address at least four releases of oil from Greka Energy facilities near Buellton, Calif.

Following Greka’s major Jan. 5th Oil spill at Zaca Creek, the EPA has been inspecting Greka’s Central California facilities. EPA discovered the most recent spills during one such inspection.

"Greka Energy has the EPA’s full attention," said Daniel Meer, Chief of the Response, Planning and Assessment Branch for the Superfund Division in the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “Incidents of this nature are simply unacceptable and we will continue to use all available tools to hold Greka accountable and protect the environment.”

The most recent spill sites are at the Ucal lease on Dominion Road, the Bell lease on Palmer Road, the Davis lease on Zaca Station Road, and the Bradley 3 Island facility on Telephone Road.

The EPA continues to work with members of the California Department of Fish and Game, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific Strike Team, and Greka Energy, the responsible party, in containment and clean-up efforts, to prevent further harm to the environment.

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