Experts Tally up Damage After Pipeline Rupture

Houston-based Plains All American Pipeline estimated up to 105,000 gallons may have spilled from a broken pipe, based on the typical flow rate of oil and the elevation of the pipeline.
Since the pipeline is underground, it will take a few days to determine how much crude oil was actually spilled, said Rick McMichael of Plains All American Pipeline, who estimated 21,000 gallons of crude had gone into the Pacific Ocean, with the rest spilled on land.
The environment remains a major concern around Refugio State Beach, which was completely desolate Thursday, as were its campgrounds, which are normally packed for Memorial Day weekend. The only sounds were the waves and the helicopter above, a buzzing reminder of the oily mess below.