SAN PEDRO, Calif. — After extensive testing, California Department of Fish and Wildlife is slated to re-open previously closed fisheries along the Southern California coast Tuesday at noon.
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has determined that there is no further risk to public health related to seafood consumption.
Additional information can be found within the fisheries section of the spill response website. In addition, reports summarizing the Chemical Testing Results and Risk Assessment completed by OEHHA is expected to be available here within the coming weeks.
“The opening of the fisheries in this region will enable commercial and recreational fishermen to return to their normal activities, while presenting no further risk to public health in the affected area,” said Lt. Christian Corbo, state on-scene coordinator.
After stringent shoreline assessments, cleanup crews directed by the Unified Command have cleared oily debris and tar balls from a significant stretch of the affected Southern California coastline. The Unified Command has signed off 69 shoreline segments, out of 107 total which equates to approximately 190 miles of Southern California shoreline.
The evaluation process requires an assessment using both federal and state guidelines to determine whether cleanup crews have reached cleanup end-points or whether more work is required.
“The evaluation process to review shorelines for the final sign-off is extremely thorough,” said Cmdr. Justin Noggle, assistant federal on-scene coordinator. “The Unified Command continues to work diligently to ensure the shorelines are returned to their original, natural condition.”
Cleanup crews will continue to respond to beaches that have been cleared should more impacts be spotted during shoreline assessments. As beaches are cleared, crews are positioned to shift resources to areas that may need further attention.
For more information or to report located tar balls, visit www.SoCalSpillResponse.com/tarballs.
The investigation regarding the cause of the spill continues. A recent press release issued October 16, 2021 can be found here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2f7d652