2011 Plane Crash Leads to $1.1 Million for Wetlands Near Navy Base
A decade after a plane crash, $1.1 million is allocated for wetland restoration around Point Mugu Naval Air Station to aid local wildlife.
Point Mugu, California, Wetlands, Plane Crash, Environmental Restoration
Oxnard: So, remember that plane crash back in 2011? Well, it’s still making waves, literally. The Mugu Lagoon is getting a $1.1 million boost for restoration work because of the damage from that incident.
The crash happened when an aircraft tanker was trying to take off from the Point Mugu Naval Air Station. It was around 5:30 p.m. on May 18, and thankfully, the three crew members got out with just minor injuries.
After the crash, a lot of agencies jumped in to help clean up. They estimated that between 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of jet fuel burned, but some of it ended up in the lagoon. This area is one of the last significant saltwater wetlands in Southern California, so it’s pretty important.
Now, thanks to the Coast Guard’s National Pollution Funds Center, they’re planning a bunch of restoration projects around the base. The money is meant to help wildlife and restore the habitat, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The aircraft was owned by Omega Aerial Refueling Services and was doing aerial refueling for the Navy when it crashed. The National Transportation Safety Board said the pilot made the right call by trying to land again.
Investigators found that a fitting likely cracked and failed, which caused the crash. It turns out it should have been replaced with a newer version, but maintenance records from a previous owner were misleading.
As for the $1.1 million fund, it’s aimed at fixing the environmental damage caused by the crash. They had to deploy a boom to keep the fuel from reaching the ocean, and they even had a team ready to rescue any injured animals in the area.
The funds will help improve the salt marsh habitat around the air station. They’ll be planting native plants, getting rid of invasive ones, and keeping an eye on everything to make sure it’s working.
Omega will also have to pay damages to the Coast Guard’s fund center, so they’re not off the hook just yet.
Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Decade-old crash prompts $1.1M in funds for wetlands at Navy base