and major questions remain about what caused the leak. zohreen shah leads us off from huntington beach. >> reporter: tonight, this massive oil spill now reaching the shores of one of southern california's most popular beaches. >> we are in the midst of a potential ecological disaster. the oil spill has significantly impacted our community. >> reporter: at least 126,000 gallons of post-production crude pouring into the pacific ocean, causing one of the worst spills in the state's history. now lining nearly six miles of orange county with thick black tar. the leak stemming from a broken pipeline roughly 4 1/2 miles from the coastline. today, the company pledging full cooperation. >> we will do everything in our power to ensure that this is recovered as quickly as possible and we won't be done until this is concluded. >> reporter: crews are trying to create a sand barrier to keep