Ecological Disaster and New Ethos: The 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill

Incident Overview

• Date & Location:

  • Occurred on January 28, 1969.
  • Took place 5.8 miles off the coast of Summerland, Santa Barbara County, California.

• Cause:

  • Workers on Union Oil’s drilling Platform A caused the largest oil spill in California history.
  • Federal government allowed use of inadequate protective casing.
  • Pressure from drilling caused the casing to rupture, leading to mud and crude oil being expelled.
  • Capping efforts drove pressure underground, cracking the ocean floor and causing oil leakage.

• Immediate Impact:

  • On January 29, a Coast Guard helicopter observed 75 square miles covered by oil.
  • The spill rapidly expanded to cover hundreds of square miles.

Consequences

• Environmental Impact:

  • Over 11 days, more than 3.3 million gallons of oil leaked.
  • Slick impacted Santa Barbara Channel waters, beaches were coated with sludge.
  • Death of approximately 3,600 birds, numerous fish, seals, and dolphins.

• Human Response:

  • Union Oil and thousands of volunteers worked on leak containment and cleanup.
  • Techniques included using straw to absorb oil, skimmer ships, and tarred bird rescue stations.

Aftermath

• Economic Impact:

  • Commercial fishing was halted until April 1970.
  • Beaches remained closed until June 1.
  • Cleanup costs exceeded $4.5 million (1969 dollars).
  • Union Oil paid $9.5 million in damages.

• Public and Political Reaction:

  • Union Oil faced criticism for its response.
  • President Nixon and Secretary of the Interior Walter Hickel acknowledged federal responsibility.
  • Nixon commissioned a panel to address and prevent future oil spills.

Long-term Impact

• Environmental Movement:
  • The spill, along with the Cuyahoga River fire, galvanized the environmental movement.
  • Led to the creation of Earth Day (May 1970).
  • Development of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Passage of legislation like the California Environmental Quality Act and the federal Environmental Protection Act.
  • Establishment of the California Coastal Commission in 1972.