California oil cleanup costs reach $92 million
The cost of cleaning up the largest coastal oil spill in California in 25 years has climbed to $92 million.
The figure was disclosed Wednesday by Patrick Hodgins of pipeline operator Plains All American Pipeline.
Hundreds of workers have spent weeks excavating contaminated soil and scraping rocks after the May 19 break near Santa Barbara. The spill released up to 101,000 gallons of crude oil.
The estimated cost doesn't include possible claims against the company or potential fines from government regulators.
Officials told reporters in Goleta the cleanup is entering its final phases.
Federal regulators are investigating the cause of the break along a stretch of corroded pipe.
