Pacific Pipeline Systems LLP has agreed to pay a $1.3 million civil penalty for the failure of its 70-mile pipeline that broke in northern Los Angeles County in March 2005. At that time, more than 140,000 gallons of oil spilled from the pipeline, with most of it going into Pyramid Lake along Interstate 5.
The spill ended up in the Posey Cove area of Pyramid Lake and was contained before it contaminated drinking water supplies.
The fine was handed down by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department on Wednesday. A landslide in the Tehachapi Mountains caused the 14-inch break in 2005.
Pacific Pipeline must also shut down the 70-mile stretch of pipeline until it can be re-aligned or relocated.