Officials Announce Plans To Reopen Refugio State Beach After Oil Spill

SANTA BARBARA (CBSLA.com) — Officials Friday announced plans to reopen Refugio State Beach after a massive oil spill that occurred near Santa Barbara.

On May 19, a privately owned crude oil pipeline leaked, which caused oil to spill around and within the beach.

Authorities said state beaches affected by the incident included Refugio and El Capitan near Goleta.

California State Parks and members of the Unified Command have deemed the state beach safe for the public to participate in recreational activities, including swimming, fishing and camping.

Non-state park areas to the east and south of the beach will remain closed as cleanup work continues. Officials clarified these closures will not affect beachgoers or campers.

Refugio State Beach is schedule to reopen to the public at noon July 17.

For more information, click here.