On November 11, 2024, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) issued a cease and desist order to Sable Offshore Corp. for “unpermitted development in the Coastal Zone” associated with the Las Flores Pipelines.
According to the order, Sable’s unpermitted work includes “excavation with heavy equipment; removal of major vegetation; grading and widening of roads; installation of metal plates over water courses; dewatering and discharge or water; pipeline removal, replacement, and reinforcement; installation of safety valves; and other development…”
The Commission ordered Sable to “cease and desist from undertaking any further unpermitted development and immediately undertake steps necessary to avoid irreparable injury to the properties.” These steps include “safely securing and stabilizing open pits.”
The Commission also ordered Sable to apply for a permit for any proposed future work on the pipelines as well as for “after-the-fact” authorization for the development that has already occurred.
Sable said it would work with the Coastal Commission on an interim work plan and will start the work to fill the open excavations as soon as the plan is approved.
The Coastal Commission notified Sable of the violations to the Coastal Act in a Notice of Violation letter in September and a follow-up letter in October.