All travel partners, from tour guides to bus operators, are women, creating a safe space for some 'me-time'
uae4 hours ago
The operators of a pipeline that leaked crude oil onto California beaches has agreed to plead guilty to environmental pollution charges and pay $13 million, these companies said Friday.
Amplify Energy, a Texas company operating the pipeline off Huntington Beach, and two of its subsidiaries -- Beta Operating Co. and San Pedro Bay Pipeline Co. -- said they will admit to allowing oil to foul the waters off southern California in October last year.
As part of plea agreements entered in federal court, they will pay a $7.1 million fine and hand over $5.8 million to compensate federal agencies involved in cleaning up 25,000 gallons of crude oil that spewed from their pipeline.
The spill blackened 18 miles (24 kilometres) of coast south of Los Angeles between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, spots popular with surfers and a habitat for dolphins.
Underwater inspections revealed that a large segment of the pipeline had been displaced and showed a rupture in the pipe.
Investigators said last year they suspected the damage could have been caused by the anchor of a ship, as the area is often packed with cargo vessels waiting to enter the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Martyn Willsher, Amplify's president and chief executive officer, said the company had worked "cooperatively" to resolve the problem as soon as it was discovered.
"We believe this resolution, which is subject to court review and approval, reflects the commitments we made immediately following the incident to impacted parties and is in the best interest of Amplify and its stakeholders.
"We are committed to safely operating in a way that ensures the protection of the environment and the surrounding communities."
Amplify has also agreed to install a new leak detection system and to increase inspections along sections of the pipeline.
"This oil spill affected numerous people, businesses and organizations who use the Southern California coastal waters," said Acting US Attorney Stephanie Christensen.
"The companies involved are now accepting their responsibility for criminal conduct and are required to make significant improvements that will help prevent future oil spills."
The October disaster reignited the debate over the presence of oil platforms just a few miles from the densely populated southern California shore.
A total of 23 oil and gas platforms operate in federal waters just off the coast.
ALSO READ:
All travel partners, from tour guides to bus operators, are women, creating a safe space for some 'me-time'
uae4 hours ago
Just one day after the alleged crime, the men illegally left the UAE by bypassing official checkpoints
crime4 hours ago
The pontiff opened his annual Christmas address to the Catholic cardinals with what appeared to be a reference to Israeli airstrikes on Friday
europe11 hours ago
Haaland, who was the Premier League's top scorer for the previous two seasons, has found the back of the net just twice in their last eight league games
football11 hours ago
The result leaves the Hammers 14th with 20 points after 17 games, while Brighton are ninth on 25
sports11 hours ago
Dubai Golden Visa Awardee shines with 16-Under-Par Performance in 90-Hole Shoot-Out
sports12 hours ago
Game Changers Falcons advanced to the final despite a loss earlier in the day
tennis12 hours ago
The trekkers formed a connection with the camels, and found the digital detox to be refreshing
uae12 hours ago