How Far Offshore Are Santa Barbara Oil Rigs?

Santa Barbara oil rigs are located varying distances from the coastline, ranging from state to federal waters. The South Ellwood Offshore field, which includes oil drilling operations, is situated approximately two miles (3 kilometers) offshore in state waters.

Key Facts

  1. The South Ellwood Offshore field, which includes oil drilling operations, is located about two miles (3 km) offshore in state waters.
  2. The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field is located in Santa Barbara County, both in state and federal waters.
  3. The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field was discovered in 1964 and development and production started in 1965.
  4. The current production of oil in the Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field is approximately 1,345 barrels per day.
  5. The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field is operated by Pacific Operators Offshore LLC (PACOPS) and Dos Cuadras Offshore Resources (DCOR).

Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field

The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field is another significant oil field located in Santa Barbara County. It spans both state and federal waters and was discovered in 1964, with development and production commencing in 1965. Currently, the field produces approximately 1,345 barrels of oil per day and is operated by Pacific Operators Offshore LLC (PACOPS) and Dos Cuadras Offshore Resources (DCOR).

Conclusion

The distance of Santa Barbara oil rigs from the coastline varies depending on the specific field. The South Ellwood Offshore field is situated two miles offshore in state waters, while the Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field extends across both state and federal waters. These oil fields play a role in California’s petroleum production and are operated by established companies like PACOPS and DCOR.

FAQs

How far offshore are the oil rigs in Santa Barbara?

The distance of oil rigs from the Santa Barbara coastline varies. For instance, the South Ellwood Offshore field is located approximately two miles (3 kilometers) offshore in state waters.

Which oil field is located in both state and federal waters of Santa Barbara County?

The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field is situated in Santa Barbara County and spans both state and federal waters.

When was the Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field discovered and when did production begin?

The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field was discovered in 1964, and development and production activities commenced in 1965.

Who operates the Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field?

The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field is operated by Pacific Operators Offshore LLC (PACOPS) and Dos Cuadras Offshore Resources (DCOR).

How much oil does the Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field currently produce?

The Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field’s current production is approximately 1,345 barrels of oil per day.

Are there any plans to decommission the oil rigs off the coast of Santa Barbara?

Yes, there are plans to decommission the oil rigs off the coast of Santa Barbara. A comprehensive decommissioning report is expected to be issued in February 2023, outlining the process for removing the platforms and associated infrastructure.

What is the estimated cost of decommissioning the oil rigs off the coast of Santa Barbara?

The estimated cost of decommissioning the oil rigs off the coast of Santa Barbara is approximately $1.6 billion, as per a 2020 estimate. However, costs may increase due to the passage of time.

What are the environmental concerns associated with decommissioning the oil rigs?

Decommissioning the oil rigs may pose environmental concerns, such as the potential release of contaminants into the marine environment during the removal process. Additionally, the complete removal of platforms and their associated marine life raises ecological considerations.