On January 17, 1994, an oil pipeline owned by ARCO Pipe Line Company, ruptured during and following the Northridge earthquake. The largest oil spill occurred near the city of Santa Clarita, in Los Angeles County. Approximately 190,000 gallons, or 4600 barrels, of crude oil flowed from the pipeline break along a roadway, entered a storm drain, then an open drainage ditch, and on into the Santa Clara River. The oil flowed downstream for approximately 16 miles, where a dam was constructed to prevent further spread of the oil.