California oil firms had nearly 400 violations
LOS ANGELES — Oil and gas companies drilling in state waters off Southern California violated regulations nearly 400 times in the past three years, according to a report being released Wednesday by an environmental group.
Records compiled by the Center for Biological Diversity show state violations ranging from severe corrosion to failed and missing tests required to gauge the strength of wells. No civil penalties were issued for any of the violations, according to a spokesman for the state agency responsible for overseeing oil operations.
The group said the problems could pose a serious threat to the environment if aging infrastructure fails and spills oil on beaches near major cities.