LOS ANGELES—Southern California air-quality regulators on June 18 issued violation notices to three companies connected to a drilling mishap that led to thousands of gallons of oil spilling in East Los Angeles.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued the violation notices to Arcadian Infracom, HP Communications and Camarillo Drilling over odors stemming from the May 22 spill, which occurred when an underground crude oil pipeline was struck during a project to install fiber optic lines.

The spill occurred in the area of 200 N. Eastern Ave., near Cesar Chavez Avenue, with about 25,000 gallons discharged, and some of it entering storm drains leading to the Los Angeles River, according to the AQMD.

“South Coast AQMD received and responded to three public complaints that day reporting strong petroleum odors, including one from Esteban E. Torres High School,” according to a statement from the agency. “South Coast AQMD inspectors confirmed the presence of odors at the school and traced them back to the oil spill site. In total, the agency received seven complaints during the week as repair and cleanup efforts were being conducted.”

According to the agency, Camarillo Drilling performed the drilling work that led to the pipeline rupture. The project was being overseen by Arcadian on behalf of HP, the contractor responsible for the installation of the fiber optic lines, according to AQMD.

The companies were all issues public nuisance violations relating to rules prohibiting emissions that cause “injury, nuisance or annoyance to a considerable number of persons or to the public,” according to AQMD.

The violation notices can lead to civil penalties unless a settlement is reached.

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity announced last week it is providing direct assistance to businesses impacted by the spill.

Businesses that experienced financial losses, property damage, cleanup expenses or disruptions to operations may be eligible to seek compensation through Pacific Pipeline System LLC, which owns the pipeline, officials said. Potential claimants can begin the process by calling 877-817-5465 to reach a third-party claims administrator.

The county’s Office of Small Business is offering one-on-one assistance to help business owners prepare and submit claims.

“This is a critical moment to stand with the communities of East Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles, which have long borne the burden of environmental injustice,” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis said in a statement.

Solis said the county is committed to supporting affected residents and businesses while state agencies oversee the investigation and cleanup effort.

“The effects of this incident are already being felt across these communities, and we must act with urgency to protect public health, support economic recovery, and help residents and business owners move forward,” Solis said.

Department of Economic Opportunity Director Kelly LoBianco said the agency is working to ensure business owners understand the claims process and have access to available assistance.

“Disruptions like this can be confusing and costly for businesses, and DEO is here to make sure they are not left to navigate the process alone,” LoBianco said.

County officials said claims must include a specific dollar amount and supporting documentation. Records that may be needed include business licenses, financial statements, sales reports, bank statements, photographs of damage, canceled contracts, payroll records, repair estimates and cleanup receipts.

Business owners can obtain assistance by visiting the Office of Small Business East Los Angeles Entrepreneurship Center at 4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., calling 844-432-4900 or emailing osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.