Central Coast Water Board files lawsuit against Sable Offshore Corp. for unauthorized waste discharges

SANTA BARBARA – The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, represented by the California Attorney General’s Office, filed suit against Sable Offshore Corp., alleging repeated violations tied to the repair and restart of the Santa Ynez Unit oil and gas operation.

The lawsuit filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court asserts three causes of action. It alleges that Sable repeatedly discharged or threatened to discharge waste to waters of the state without authorization, despite being notified by the Central Coast Water Board that permits were required for the activities. The complaint also contends that Sable activities resulted in the discharge of sediment and vegetative debris to various bodies of water inland and near the Gaviota Coast. Such discharges can harm water quality and aquatic habitat by increasing turbidity, temperature and nutrients levels. The complaint also alleges Sable failed to submit information to the board that was required by law.

“No corporation should gain a business advantage by ignoring the law and harming the environment,” said Jane Gray, chair of the Central Coast Water Board. “Entities that discharge waste are required to obtain permits from the state to protect water quality. Sable Offshore Corp. is no different. It, however, chose to ignore state environmental regulation.”

Since December 2024, the board has issued Sable multiple notices of violation for unauthorized waste discharges to Santa Barbara County waterways. It also directed Sable to obtain permits for future work on the pipeline and submit technical reports describing activities at pipeline work locations and associated potential discharges to waterways. On April 17, the board adopted a resolution referring the matter to the Attorney General’s Office.

The Central Coast Water Board is responsible for protecting and restoring water quality in a 300-mile-long coastal region, from southern San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to the northern part of Ventura County. Protecting beneficial uses in streams, the ocean, and groundwater is essential to ensuring water quality and protecting the health of humans and wildlife.