California Coast Oil Pipeline Rupture Spills 21,000 Gallons of Crude in the Ocean and on the Beach

""An estimated 21,000 gallons (79,500 liters) of crude oil dumped into the ocean from a broken pipeline just off the central California coast before it was shut off on Tuesday, creating a spill stretching about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) along the beach, the US Coast Guard said.

Santa Barbara County health officials have shut down Refugio State Beach, the central site of the spill, though many had abandoned the site already because of the foul smell.

That smell brought county firefighters to the beach earlier in the day to discover the spill.

"They found about a half-mile slick of dark, black crude oil in the ocean," fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni said.

A few hours later the pipeline had been shut off, but the spill had stretched to about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of beach for about 50 yards (45 meters) out into the water, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Andrea Anderson.They traced the oil to the onshore pipeline that spilled into a culvert that ran under the U.S. 101 freeway and through a storm drain into the ocean.

The 24-inch (60-centimeter) pipeline is owned by Plains All American Pipeline, which said it shut down the flow of oil and the culvert carrying the oil to the ocean was blocked.

"Plains deeply regrets this release has occurred and is making every effort to limit its environmental impact," the company said in a statement.

The scenic stretch of coastline about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of the pricey real estate of Santa Barbara is dotted with state-run beaches that are popular with campers, and the spill comes just a few days before the Memorial Day holiday weekend and subsequent summer camping season begin.

The stretch of coastline is also home to many oil rigs and drilling operations, and small amounts of tar and seepage show up on beaches, but in much smaller amounts.

The Coast Guard, county emergency officials and state parks officials had begun cleaning up the spill.

Boats from the nonprofit collective Clean Seas were being used in the cleanup.

There was no immediate estimate of how long the cleanup might take.

The Santa Barbara-based Environmental Defense Center said such a spill was inevitable with coastal oil development, but still unwelcome.

"To see this level of spill into such a sensitive and treasured environment is devastating to watch," the EDC said in a statement. The group expressed special worry for the many species of whale that migrate through the area.""

http://www.firstpost.com/world/oil-pipeline-spills-off-california-coast-dumps-21000-gallons-crude-oil-ocean-2253586.html

National Guard Deployed as State of Emergency for Baltimore Places City Under Mandatory Curfew

The US city of Baltimore has declared a state of emergency amid violent protests linked to the death of a black man fatally injured in police custody.

""A week-long curfew has been announced and as many as 5,000 National Guard troops could be deployed.

After dark, a community building that was under construction was engulfed in flames.

Earlier, dozens of people were seen confronting police, and 15 officers were injured.

African American Freddie Gray, 25, died on 19 April after a week in a coma. The justice department is investigating exactly where and when his spinal injuries were sustained.

Officials have suspended six police officers who were involved in the case.

Monday's clashes began hours after Gray's funeral.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said it was very clear there was a difference between the "peaceful protests of those who seek justice" and the "thugs who want to incite violence".

Authorities were "deploying every resource possible to regain control of the situation", she said.

Later, following violence, looting and fires in various spots across the city of more than 620,000 people, she said: "This destruction we've seen this evening is heart-breaking."

She has ordered a week-long curfew from 22:00 to 05:00 starting on Tuesday. Public schools are to be closed on Tuesday.

National Guard commander Linda Singh said that up to 5,000 troops could be put on the streets.

"We will be out in massive force," she said, adding that armoured vehicles would be used but the city would not be under martial law.

Extra police officers are also being drafted in from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Earlier, President Barack Obama said his administration would provide whatever assistance was needed.

Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order to "protect the lives and property of citizens being impacted by this public emergency".

He said calling in the National Guard was a "last resort" and that he had "not made this decision lightly".

Capt Eric Kowalczyk of Baltimore Police said the 15 injured officers were wounded by thrown objects including bricks and bottles. Two remain in hospital.

Police made at least 27 arrests.

On Monday night fire broke out at a newly constructed community building near a church in the east of the city.

Kevin Harris, a spokesman for the mayor, said the fire was at the Mary Harvin Transformation Centre, described online as a community-based organization that supports young people and families.

Before nightfall, scenes included a blaze at a CVS pharmacy, stores being looted and police vehicles being burned and vandalised.

Baltimore's Major League Baseball team the Orioles cancelled Monday night's game against Chicago's White Sox as a result of the violence.""

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32490250