Restoration work in the Mugu Lagoon got a $1.1 million boost recently to help pay for damages from a more than decade-old plane crash.
An aircraft tanker crashed during a failed takeoff from the Point Mugu Naval Air Station around 5:30 p.m. on May 18, 2011. Three crew members escaped the fiery crash into lagoon with minor injuries.
Multiple agencies responded for cleanup efforts following the crash. Much of the estimated 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of jet fuel burned, but some washed into the nearby lagoon, officials said. Located along the Oxnard Plain, the spot is considered one of the few remaining significant saltwater wetlands in Southern California.
Now, areas around the base will undergo a series of restoration projects with the money from the Coast Guard’s National Pollution Funds Center. The money is meant to compensate for damages to wildlife and habitat, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported.
Why did the plane crash near Point Mugu?
The aircraft, owned and operated by Omega Aerial Refueling Services, was conducting aerial refueling under a contract with the Navy, authorities said.
It was highly unlikely that the plane would be able to continue a successful takeoff, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report. The agency called the pilot’s decision to put the plane back on the ground “appropriate and properly executed.”
Investigators determined the probable cause of the crash was related to a fitting that likely cracked and failed. It should have been replaced with a newer version, according to the NTSB report.
Maintenance records from a previous owner incorrectly indicated the newer fitting had been installed, the agency said.
What will the $1.1 million fund?
Officials said the downed aircraft caused significant environmental impacts.
At the time, a boom was deployed to stop the fuel from entering the ocean and a team responded to rescue any injured animals. Snowy plovers, least terns, clapper rails and harbor seals are known to be in the area, according to officials.
The funds from the Coast Guard program are expected to benefit the salt marsh habitat around the air station. Efforts will include planting native vegetation, removing invasive plants and monitoring work.
Omega will be required to pay damages to the Coast Guard’s fund center, state officials said.
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