Ventura evacuations lifted as officials identify source of fumes as gasoline leak
VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- After more than 2,000 gallons of gasoline leaked into the sewer lines, homes in a section of Ventura were evacuated for hours on Sunday.
Evacuation orders and warning were issued around 10 a.m. Sunday and then lifted by 4:40 p.m. as city crews worked to mitigate the spill and ventilate the fumes building up in the system.
The source of the leak was a Sinclair gas station on Harbor Boulevard, authorities said at an afternoon press conference. The station owner estimated a loss of more than 2,000 gallons of gas leaked into the system.
About 150 homes in Ventura were ordered to evacuate Sunday due to the hazardous materials incident.
"When the gas is present it's like standing in a gas station right over your gas tank," said resident Rob Crandall. "It's very strong."
Firefighters said they detected a dangerous buildup of fumes near the source of the leak Sunday morning. By the afternoon, most of the vapors were gone from the area, except for small amounts close to the source of the leak.
The gas station released a statement saying that the leak was reported on Friday and a service was hired to empty the affected gas tank and test the site. The location of the leak was identified and no gasoline remains in the pipes. The gas station has been closed temporarily and more testing and repairs are scheduled for next week.
"We are working closely with experts to ensure a thorough cleanup and safe resolution, and we are coordinating with a remediation team to address any remaining concerns," the station said. "We appreciate the community's patience and understanding during this time."
The evacuation order was for homes along Bayshore Avenue, south of Peninsula Street and Marina Park, according to the Ventura Police Department. An evacuation warning was issued for residents of Seaward, west of Harbor and north of Schooner.
First responders were on scene investigating "potentially dangerous levels of hydrocarbon vapors." All residents are urged to avoid the area.
Jen Buckley, the city's public information officer, said about 150 residents were evacuated and another 2,600 are under the evacuation warning. A temporary evacuation point has been established at the lower parking lot of Ventura College.
More information on the incident can be found here.
Sunday's incident came a few days after residents in the area were forced to evacuate following a methane leak along Monmouth Way.
Officials said Sunday they determined the source of that was a gasoline substance that leaked from nearby property into the sewer line.
"Ventura Water crews repaired the section of the sewer line where the leak was found; however, the extent of the leak continues to be investigated in the sewer system to mitigate the vapor caused by the gasoline," Buckley said.
