Oiled birds collected, being treated after pipeline rupture and oil spill in East LA

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The state says oiled birds from Friday's ruptured pipeline spill in East Los Angeles are now receiving care locally. The rupture sent thousands of gallons of crude oil into streets, storm drains and the L.A. River.

Trained responders are providing specialized care and cleaning approximately 25 birds at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center.



It comes as crude oil entered storm drains and ended up in the L.A. River after an underground pipeline was struck by a crew installing fiber optic cables near the intersection of East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and North Eastern Avenue. Officials estimated that about 2,400 gallons of oil leaked during the incident.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Oil spills onto East LA streets, reaches LA River after pipeline rupture


Crews have deployed more booms at multiple locations to contain the spill, and the pipeline is now being repaired.



Anyone who spots oiled wildlife is encouraged to call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926).

The oil sheen has been reported in the L.A. River as far south as Pacific Coast Highway, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but contracted crews are continuing to make progress cleaning it up with vacuum trucks and other spill response equipment.

If you see an oil sheen in the L.A. River, call the Long Beach Fire Department.