Report of a study on California state Regulations and Inspection Practices of Oil and Gas Operations and Oil Pollution
Authors: Everitts Donald J. , Matthews John F. 
Published: October 2008

As a result of the Santa Barbara Channel oil pollution incident in early 1969, various California State agencies undertook a thorough joint study of state regulations and inspection practices. Recommendations were made to assure that public safety, property and environmental quality received maximum protection consistent with proper economic development of the oil and gas resources of an increasingly urbanized California.

State agencies have various responsibilities in regard to oil operations and oil pollution. The Division of Oil and Gas is responsible for the conservation and protection of oil, gas and fresh water. The State Lands Commission, operating through the State Lands Division, represents the State as a land and mineral owner, and protects the State's interest in the development of same. The State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards are responsible for water quality and control of water pollution. The Department of Fish and Game is responsible for fish and wildlife resources in California and, in carrying out its duties, also enforces state and federal pollution laws. The Division of Industrial Safety is responsible for assuring safe working environments. Under state regulation and supervision, the California oil industry has an excellent record in the prevention of major oil spills. State regulations are not so rigid as to preclude discretion. This approach has been successful and should be continued.

INTRODUCTION

The uncontrolled oil discharge near Platform 402A in federal waters off Santa Barbara during January and February, 1969, gave ample proof of the adverse effects of such threats to the environment on public opinion, even though studies of this discharge and several large tanker spills have definitely established the fact that such discharges of oil have yet to alter the ecology of the aquatic environment.

The Department of the Interior immediately halted drilling operations on all wells on federal leases in the Santa Barbara Channel; but after a departmental review of the proposed programs, most of the operators were permitted to resume operations. Several days later, the Secretary of the Interior imposed a drilling ban until regulations could be reviewed and strengthened as needed. An exception to this ban was the remedial program being conducted on the Union Oil Company of California lease.

As an aftermath of the Santa Barbara incident, on February 27, 1969, the State Resources Agency requested the departments concerned to critically assess current State of California offshore oil and gas regulations and inspection practices as they related to public safety and the environment. A State Ad Hoc Committee was designated to review state regulations and inspection practices on offshore oil and gas operations, and to develop recommendations "felt to be necessary and which are desirable with relation to both safety and esthetics. This study was soon expanded to include a review of the onshore, or upland areas.