Mystery Ooze Shuts Down Stretch Of Sepulveda Boulevard

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities are investigating to determine the source of an oil-like substance oozing from the ground in West Los Angeles that triggered a street closure along Sepulveda Boulevard Monday night.

The seeping substance was discovered around 5:54 p.m. in the 2800 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard, near the Santa Monica (10) Freeway overpass, according to Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

"LAFD responded to an "oil-like" substance continuously seeping from the ground," Prange said. "Firefighters have called for a vacuum truck and sand to mitigate the environmental effect. Several agencies have been notified."

Groups such as Clean Harbors environmental service and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services were called to the scene along with possible responsible parties for the substance, added Prange.

Drivers were encouraged to avoid the area.

The seepage is not expected to cause widespread public hazard, Prange said.