BAKERSFIELD, Calif. | Tuesday, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputy observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on China Grade Loop, east of Chevron Way, lose control and spin out due to an oil and water mixture present on the roadway. In response to the potential hazard, the roadway was closed, and the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) was dispatched to assess the situation.

Upon arrival, KCFD firefighters, including the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) team, conducted a thorough survey of the area to determine the extent of the spill. It was discovered that the oil and water mixture had traveled nearly one half mile down the roadway and into a dirt area between the roadway and the Kern River. Chevron personnel identified the source of the leak and took action to shut it down. Fortunately, no oil reached the Kern River.

The driver involved in the incident was uninjured.

Kern County Environmental Health assumed control of the scene and is coordinating cleanup efforts with Chevron. Requests for additional information should be directed to Kern County Environmental Health or Chevron.