Efforts are continuing to clean up an oil spill in a river in northern Santa Barbara County. A tanker truck carrying 6000 gallons of crude oil veered off of Highway 166 and crashed about 20 miles northeast of Santa Maria Saturday. It overturned in the Cuyama River, spilling about 4500 gallons of the oil.
First responders deployed plastic booms, built a dirt berm, and used oil absorbent pads to try to stop the spread of the spill. They were able to keep the oil from reaching Twitchell Dam. Crews are still on scene removing contaminated water and soil. The driver of the truck was uninjured.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. An oiled bird and turtle were rescued, and are now at a wildlife care facility in Morro Bay.
