A California Highway Patrol officer warns volunteers who showed up May 20 to clean up oil near Refugio State Beach from a 21,000-gallon pipeline spill to leave the area because it was too hazardous.
Photo by Debra Giles

Officials at Plains All American Pipeline might have more than fines to worry about in the wake of the estimated 105,000-gallon oil spill May 19 that soiled Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County.

California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris on Friday said her office is actively working with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s office and state and federal agencies to investigate the incident.

“California’s coastline is one of the state’s most precious natural treasures. This oil spill has scarred the scenic Santa Barbara coast, natural habitats and wildlife.  My office is working closely with our state and federal partners on an investigation of this conduct to ensure we hold responsible parties accountable,” said Harris.