by Patricia Schallert
A gasoline leak in Ventura’s Pierpont neighborhood prompted an emergency response from Ventura Water and the Ventura Fire Department after reports of elevated hydrocarbon vapor levels on September 19. Crews discovered an unknown substance seeping into the sewer system on Monmouth Way, later confirmed by the EPA as gasoline.
“The leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. While the leak was contained, authorities continue investigating its impact on the sewer system and surrounding environment.
On September 22, officials issued an evacuation order for residents on Bayshore Avenue south of Peninsula, affecting about 150 people. An evacuation warning extended to the entire Pierpont neighborhood south of Seaward Avenue, affecting over 4,000 residents. The evacuation was lifted by late afternoon after vapor levels were successfully reduced.
Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington reported ongoing sewer bypass operations to stabilize the system and venting operations to reduce vapor buildup. By September 26, the contaminated gasoline was removed from the site, and petroleum gas was pumped from the water table, ensuring no further contamination would affect the sewer system.
Efforts continue to monitor and mitigate any lasting effects of the leak on the environment and infrastructure.
