Buellton council asks county to review rerouting of oil pipeline, directs city manager to send letter

The Buellton City Council voted to direct the city manager to draft a letter urging the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to require the new pipeline owner, Sable Offshore, to review options to reroute the petroleum pipeline that runs through Buellton. The council also asked staff to incorporate backup requests — stronger inspection and corrosion mitigation, and updates to environmental documentation — if rerouting is not adopted.

City Manager Scott Wolf told the council that many of the state permitting requirements for oil pipelines are outside city authority but that Buellton's position is nevertheless relevant because the pipeline runs directly through the city. Wolf said staff had done a “cursory” review and would draft the letter based on council direction.

The item followed public comment from multiple residents and local advocates who described past incidents and potential local risks.…