Oil Seep from 19th Century Toro Creek Mine Causes Concern

Oil discovered in Toro Creek has been attributed to natural seepage from a well built during the 19th century. The oil came from an abandoned open-pit oil-mine that was built in 1882. Toro Creek, in the foothills above Montecito and Summerland, was once a site of significant oil activity in California.

Winter rains overwhelmed a pipeline and catch-basin …