Oil spills prompt plant closure
Santa Barbara County fire officials have shut down a Greka Oil & Gas Co. facility near Santa Maria because of oil spills on three consecutive days.
Fire Capt. Eli Iskow said authorities Sunday posted a stop-work order halting production at the site after firefighters that morning found that a packing valve had released water and up to 168 gallons of crude oil.
The company’s permit to operate the facility has been revoked.
Iskow said the stop-work order would be rescinded once the facility is considered safe to operate.
Iskow said an operator error Saturday led to up to 840 gallons of crude oil being spilled. He said a spill Friday released up to 630 gallons of oil.
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