LA County provides direct assistance and guidance to businesses affected by oil spills in submitting claims.
LOS ANGELES. The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is providing direct assistance to East Los Angeles businesses affected by the May 22 crude oil spill. This support is part of a broader response led by Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Hilda L. Soils and her proposal, “Addressing the East LA Oil Spill.”
The spill occurred after an underground crude oil pipeline was struck by a telecommunications contractor. According to the official public notice, Pacific Pipeline System LLC’s 14-inch crude oil pipeline located at 400 North Eastern Avenue was identified as the source of an approximately 587-barrel crude oil release. Some of the released oil entered the storm drain system and flowed into the Los Angeles River. Businesses that experienced financial losses, property damage, cleanup-related expenses, or disruptions in operations may be eligible to file a claim for compensation through the Pacific Pipeline System LLC (PPS). Potential claimants may initiate the claims process by calling 877-817-5465 to be connected with a third-party claims administrator.
DEO’s Office of Small Business is actively assisting affected businesses by providing guidance on claim preparation, documentation requirements, and submission. Impacted businesses are encouraged to book an appointment for one-on-one support with OSB by calling the regular OSB phone line at (844) 432-4900, visiting OSB’s East LA Entrepreneurship Center located at 4716 E.Cesar E. Chavez Ave., or emailing osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov. All impacted businesses seeking assistance should indicate that their request is realted to the to the East LA oil spill.
“This is a critical moment to stand with the communities of East Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles, which have long borne the burden of environmental injustice,” said Hilda L. Solis, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and First District Supervisor. “While the crude oil spill originated from a private company and the State is leading the response and recovery efforts, Los Angeles County is committed to doing everything within its authority to support affected residents and businesses. That is why my motion directs the County to support oversight of a thorough investigation and cleanup process, while also providing technical assistance and other critical resources to impacted businesses. The effects of this incident are already being felt across these communities, and we must act with urgency to protect public health, support economic recovery, and help residents and business owners move forward.”
“Disruptions like this can be confusing and costly for businesses, and DEO is here to make sure they are not left to navigate the process alone,” said Kelly LoBianco, DEO Director. “Our Office of Small Business is providing hands-on support to help impacted businesses document losses, prepare claims, and pursue available compensation. We encourage any business affected by the spill to contact us.”
DEO will help businesses navigate the full claims process with PPS, from start to submission and resolution. Claims must be signed, include a specific dollar amount, and be supported by documentation. DEO will help businesses gather key records, which may include business licenses, financial statements, sales reports, bank statements, photographs of damage, canceled contracts, payroll records, repair estimates, cleanup receipts, and other documentation demonstrating impacts or expenses related to the spill.
