Water and Oil Mix in Santa Monica

Gas leaks contaminate Santa Monica's drinking water supply resulting in a law suit between the City of Santa Monica and 7 oil companies.

1 minute read

June 20, 2000, 4:00 PM PDT

By Laura Kraft

Seven major oil companies are being sued by the city of Santa Monica for having leaky gas storage tanks and pipelines which have caused methyl tertiary butyl ether, or MTPE, to seap into the city's drinking water supply. The resulting contamination has forced the previously water-sufficient city to have to buy water from outside sources. The city is still researching the best way to restore the wells to working order. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates clean-up will cost around $200 million. This suit is in conjunction with an order made three months ago by the EPA forcing 13 oil companies to pay for the cost of the replacement water.

Thanks to Laura Krafft

FULL STORY: Santa Monica Sues 7 Oil Firms Over Tainted Water Wells

Tuesday, June 20, 2000 in The Los Angeles Times

Environment California

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