by Ventura County, CA — Cleanup crews are working urgently this week to contain and remove roughly 420 gallons of crude oil that leaked into a remote creek in Ventura County, just as another storm system prepares to sweep across Southern California.
Officials say the spill poses both environmental and safety challenges, especially with heavy rainfall, strong winds and mountain snow forecast to arrive between Thursday and Friday.
Spill Detected at Remote Facility Before Incoming Storm
County officials confirmed that the leak was first reported Tuesday afternoon at Carbon California’s Hamp facility, located in rugged terrain where access for responders is limited. According to early assessments, the oil traveled into a tributary of Sisar Creek, contaminating approximately three-quarters of a mile of the waterway before the flow was stopped and contained.
The exact spill volume may be updated as crews continue to inspect the area. Responders noted that steep slopes, narrow roads and quickly changing weather conditions are complicating the response.
“The only concern for the response tomorrow will be the bad weather coming in, so the safety of our responders could become an issue,” said Kristina Meris, spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
Cleanup Crews Working Against the Clock
Officials said response teams made it down to the creek bed by Wednesday, where they began deploying containment booms, absorbent pads and skimming tools to remove crude oil pooled in and along the waterway. Meris said the teams were “hitting it pretty hard,” and progress was steady — but the approaching storm could slow or halt work temporarily.
A Unified Command has been established to lead the effort, with the primary goals of protecting public health, reducing environmental harm and securing the site before rainfall increases runoff potential.
A safety zone has been created around the impacted area, and authorities are warning residents to avoid the site and refrain from touching or approaching pooled oil. Air monitoring is underway to detect any possible health risks from fumes or vapors.
Wildlife Monitoring and Environmental Concerns
As of Wednesday evening, officials said there were no reports of visibly oiled wildlife, though crews are continuing to survey the area. The Oiled Wildlife Care Network remains on standby and will mobilize if any affected animals are found.
Officials urged the public not to intervene if they encounter wildlife that may be contaminated.
“Do not attempt to capture or assist wildlife,” responders emphasized.
Possible oiled animals should be reported immediately to 1-877-823-6926.
Currently, public volunteers are not needed, and trained response teams are managing all cleanup operations. Residents seeking updates can call the incident information line at 1-800-228-4544.
Storm Timing Adds Urgency to Cleanup Efforts
Southern California is preparing for the last weather system in a weeklong series of storms that have brought rain, gusty winds and snow to the region. The National Weather Service forecasts additional light to moderate rainfall from late Wednesday into Friday, with a slight risk of thunderstorms and minor flooding in saturated areas.
For Ventura County responders, the timing is critical. Rainfall could push remaining oil farther downstream if containment isn’t fully secured, and strong winds could limit safe access to the site.
The storm is expected to bring:
- 0.25 to 1 inch of rainfall across coastal and valley areas
- Higher amounts in foothill and mountain regions
- Colder temperatures
- Possible snow above 6,500 feet
Officials say they plan to fortify containment barriers and stabilize equipment ahead of the storm’s most intense period.
What Comes Next
Response teams will continue to work through Wednesday and early Thursday as conditions allow. Additional updates are expected once the storm passes and crews can reassess the affected creek.
For now, the public is advised to stay clear of the site, avoid the waterway, and follow official updates from county and state agencies.
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