State regulators conduct site check of Griffin Resources, after June water contamination in Bakersfield [Video]

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — In the aftermath of a June oil spill that contaminated drinking water for dozens of businesses in Bakersfield, state regulators paid a visit to Bakersfield.

They examined various sites operated by local oil producer Griffin Resources LLC — the company responsible for that water contamination incident which is now being sued by the City of Bakersfield.

“Many orders to take care of the wells that were leaking and no response. That’s the most surprising thing particularly given where we’re at. We’re surrounded by businesses and housing,” said David Shabazian, director of the California Department of Conservation.

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Experts with the Department of Conservation and its Geologic Energy Management Division — which oversees the state’s oil, natural gas and geothermal industries — said Griffin Resources is one of state’s handful of “chronic violators.”

They noted Griffin has a noncompliance record of at least seven years.

“We give ample opportunity for these operators to meet the letter of …