Investigation Launched in Stockton Oil Spill

An illegal oil spill involving nearly 400 gallons of petroleum has occurred in Stockton's Smith Canal, prompting an urgent cleanup effort by multiple agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard and California Fish and Wildlife. The spill, believed to be from a dumped tank of used oil, was reported on Friday and has spread nearly a mile before containment measures were initiated. Crews have deployed absorbent and hard booms to limit environmental damage, and while no wildlife has been reported affected, monitoring is ongoing. Local residents express concern over the impact on the canal, which had seen improvements in recent years. Officials are investigating the source of the illegal dumping and anticipate that cleanup will take several days. Residents are advised against consuming fish and shellfish from the affected area as a precaution.