UPDATE 14: The Unified Command continues its response Wednesday to the coastal oil spill in Orange and San Diego Counties
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.
Sampling teams have conducted water and sediment samples from all sites identified in both Orange and San Diego counties. The water and sediment data received from Orange County samples do not indicate a public health concern for short term exposures from the use of beaches in the county. This recommendation does not apply to fishing and harvesting activities, which are being addressed by the Seafood Sampling and Analysis Plan. Laboratory analyses for San Diego are expected to be completed in the coming days.
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 boat has been impacted by the oil spill, we want to remind people not to clean their oiled boats with any type of soaps or dispersants. Using these products can make the situation worse as they are not effective on this type of oil.
A boat decontamination site has been established in both Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Two boats were scheduled for decontamination removal Wednesday. Seven boats have been decontaminated to date.
San Diego County Information:
Assessment and cleanup teams are continuing operations in San Diego county.
After the storms blew through Monday evening, elevating winds and tides, the cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Encinitas reported seeing increased numbers of tar balls on their beaches Tuesday. San Diego State Parks also reported seeing increased numbers of tar balls at Carlsbad State Beach and Cardiff State Beach. For more information or to report located tar balls, visit SoCalSpillResponse.com/tarballs.
No beach closures are in effect in San Diego County. The Departments of Environmental Health and Quality, Public Health, and the Air Pollution Control District continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
To report oiled wildlife, call 1-877-823-6926.
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 SoCalSpillResponse.com/fisheries-closure
The cause of the spill remains under investigation.
