Beach Reopens After Non-Hazardous Substance Washes Ashore In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — A portion of a beach in Santa Monica will remain open to the public on Thursday after a mysterious white substance washed ashore just north of the pier.

On Wednesday, a hazardous materials team collected and tested a sample from about 25 gallons of the substance, which appeared in the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk to Tower 15.

This portion of the beach was subsequently evacuated and remained closed as officials worked to determine the source of the substance.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, authorities determined that the substance was not hazardous, and was linoleic acid.

"The unknown substance was determined to be not hazardous so it's a fatty-like acid that washed ashore and if we're talking about the size and the amount that washed ashore, a 55-gallon trash can, a large beach trash can, it was roughly about half of that," said AJ Lester of the L.A. County Fire Department.

CBS2's Jasmine Viel explained this material is commonly used to make quick drying oils, which are useful in oils, paints and varnishes.

Viel said the acid is commonly used to make beauty products and has been found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and animal products.

Authorities compared the consistency of the substance to Crisco.

"Its a soft, fatty, white substance that was pretty rancid," said Deputy Fire Chief Tom Clemo. "We have no idea where it came from. It could have fallen off of a ship months ago and made its way to shore finally."

Shortly before midnight, lifeguards posted an update to Twitter regarding cleanup efforts.

TY to @santamonicacity Beach Maintenance for cleanup tonight! Beach back to normal...But please don't swim at night! pic.twitter.com/dbFZOqzOIJ

— LACoFD Lifeguards (@LACoLifeguards) August 6, 2015

Authorities initially thought the substance was a form of debris that came from a septic tank leak from a ship, however, this has been ruled out as a source.

Investigators have also determined that local businesses did not cause the substance to occur.

Officials said the source of the substance remains unknown.