Cleanup Continues After Tar Balls Wash Ashore In Long Beach
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — The tar ball mystery that's forced a four-mile closure of the Long Beach shoreline reached south to Seal Beach Thursday.
Officials in Seal Beach have not closed the beach while they clean up the globs of tar that have washed ashore.
According to the Long Beach Fire Department, the petroleum-based substance washed ashore on Wednesday.
City officials subsequently determined it was in the interest of public safety to close beaches from First Place to 72nd Place as cleanup efforts were underway.
"At this point, the beach is clean. However, we will continue to monitor the tidal levels," said Jake Heflin of the Long Beach Fire Department. "We're not even sure where it's coming. It's an unknown substance with an unknown cause."
Samples of the tar were collected by members of the Coast Guard to help pinpoint where the substance came from.
Authorities confirmed the tar is not related to any refineries in the area. However, it remains unclear if the tar is related to the May 19 oil spill off Santa Barbara.
At this time, approximately 55 gallons of petroleum-based product has been recovered from the beach.
Health officials reminded that oil tar can cause skin irritation.
Any beachgoers who may encounter the tar balls along the shore and in the water are urged avoid contact with the substance.
According to city officials, wildlife has been impacted by the substance. A brown pelican was found saturated with oil, and has been transported to receive treatment.
A sea lion is also believed to have been affected, however, it has not yet been captured for treatment.
Crews are expected to head to the shoreline at daybreak to collect any more tar balls that may have washed ashore overnight.
Authorities requested all reports of oil debris to be directed to the National Response Center Hotline at (800) 424-8802.
