As beach assessment and cleanup operations continue in Orange and San Diego Counties, the public can expect to see cleanup crews equipped in protective gear, monitoring, inspecting and cleaning the beaches.
Beachgoers in San Diego and Orange County are advised to be aware that forecasted strong winds this evening and associated wave action may increase the number of tar balls washing ashore. If you see tar balls, please contact our clean up teams at tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov.
Oil contains hazardous chemicals, and for safety reasons, we ask the public not to handle any tar balls or oil. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or baby oil. Avoid using solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, or similar products on the skin. These products, when applied to skin, present a greater health hazard than the tar ball itself. More information about tar balls is available at SoCalSpillResponse.com/tarballs.
Community members impacted by the oil spill who need to file a claim can call 1-866-985-8366. Vessel cleaning is scheduled upon filing your claim and will not be available without an appointment. If your vessel has been impacted by the oil spill, we want to remind people not to clean their oiled vessels with any type of soaps or dispersants or show up to a cleaning station without an appointment. Using these products can make the situation worse as they are not effective on this type of oil.
San Diego County Information:
Close coordination within the Unified Command supported the rapid deployment of available resources to protect sensitive areas. Containment booms were placed in front of the mouths of the Batiquitos, San Elijo, and San Dieguito lagoons similar to those at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Santa Margarita River.
While no oiled wildlife have been found in San Diego County, a team worked Sunday to check the area more thoroughly. To report oiled wildlife, call 1-877-823-6926.
Shoreline assessment teams are working down the San Diego county coast to assess each beach for oil impacts. The teams completed assessments of beaches from San Mateo Point to San Elijo Beach Sunday. Additional teams are continuing to conduct water and soil sampling along San Diego area beaches Monday.
Specific beach openings and closing statuses are managed by local governments. Please visit www.sdcountyemergency.com for the latest information regarding the beach status in San Diego County.
Orange County Information:
Contracted cleanup teams are working throughout the Orange County coastline.
Specific beach openings and closing statuses are managed by local governments. Please visit www.ocgov.com/news for the latest information regarding beach status in Orange County.
For more information about harbor status please visit: https://www.ocgov.com/news/newport-beach-and-dana-point-harbors-reopened-following-oil-spill-closure
For updates on the fisheries closures, visit https://socalspillresponse.com/fisheries-closure
The cause of the spill remains under investigation.
Volunteers conduct beach cleanups on Bolsa Chica State Beach
