South Coast AQMD Takes Action Against Oil Facilities Violating Air Quality Standards
South Coast AQMD Takes Action Against Oil Facilities Violating Air Quality Standards
On November 21, 2025, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) took significant enforcement actions against three oil and gas facilities in Los Angeles. This decision follows public complaints and confirmed violations of air quality regulations, highlighting the agency's ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Incident Overview
1. Allenco Energy Co., St. James Drill Site
Located at 814 West 23rd St., the St. James Drill Site was at the center of attention on November 12 following strong crude oil odor complaints from the Girls Academic Leadership Academy's faculty. Investigators traced the odors to a disposal bin at the site containing residual crude oil from previous operations. Consequently, a Notice of Violation (NOV) was issued to Driltek, the contractor responsible for emergency well abandonment work, as the incident constituted a public nuisance. South Coast AQMD vowed to monitor the remediation activities closely and address ongoing complaints from community residents.
2. Crimson Resources, Murphy Drill Site
From November 5 to 13, multiple complaints regarding operations at the Murphy Drill Site, located at 2126 West Adams Blvd., arose due to its proximity to the nearby 24th Street Elementary School. Inspectors conducted several on-site inspections and discovered a portable vapor control system operating within 1,000 feet of the school, violating air quality permit conditions. Consequently, an NOV was issued to both Crimson Resources and its contractor, Vapor Point, LLC. Following this, it was confirmed that the portable vapor control system had been removed on November 13, leading to no further complaints.
3. Rosecrans Energy Facility
On November 6, during routine monitoring in the South Los Angeles area, inspectors detected benzene and alkanes in the vicinity of the Rosecrans Energy facility located at 14147 South Figueroa St. A prompt inspection revealed a minor hydrocarbon leak from equipment linked to a storage tank. A Notice to Comply was issued, mandating immediate repairs. The facility promptly addressed the leak while inspectors were on-site.
All three incidents remain active investigations, and NOVs issued in these cases may lead to civil penalties. Facilities impacted by these NOVs may opt for voluntary emission reduction strategies. In cases where a settlement is not reached, South Coast AQMD reserves the right to pursue further civil actions in court.
Public Reporting and Response
The South Coast AQMD encourages public engagement and response in air quality concerns. Community members can report odors, dust, smoke, or other air quality issues through several avenues:
- - Phone: Call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664)
- - Online: File a report via the complaint portal at www.aqmd.gov
- - Mobile App: Use the South Coast AQMD mobile application for reporting.
As the primary regulatory agency overseeing air quality improvements in large portions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley, South Coast AQMD remains steadfast in its mission to provide updates about air quality alerts, events, and news through its official website, social media channels including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. This proactive approach aims to incorporate community feedback into their enforcement strategies and ensure the public's health is prioritized above all else.
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