Refugio State Beach set to reopen July 17

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County is set to reopen July 17 around noon after being shut down for nearly two months due to a devastating oil spill.

California State Parks and members of Unified Command completed an assessment of the beach, deeming it safe for the public. Visitors will be able to swim, camp and fish at the park once it's open.

But non-state run park areas near Refugio State Beach that were shut down because of the oil spill will remain closed as cleanup operations continue.

A privately owned crude oil pipeline ruptured on May 19, spilling out more than 100,000 gallons of muck into the ocean. The spill resulted in a months-long investigation and cleanup effort.