Tar Balls Found on California Beaches Not Linked to Oil Spill
by Earth 911 on February 18th, 2008
The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Fish and Game has found that tar balls found in the San Francisco Bay in late January are not related to the Cosco Busan oil spill that occurred in November 2007.
Balls filled with oil were found on shorelines from Monterey County to San Francisco County, which were originally thought to be remains from an oil spill in the San Francisco Bay. The Coast Guard has determined that the tar balls were actually formed naturally from an oil-bearing rock offshore.
In January, an unusual amount of tar balls were found in the water. Because they are naturally occuring, there is no need for future cleanup.
The Coast Guard has released a fact sheet about tar balls, but here are a few tips:
- Tar balls may seem firm, but should be left alone because they can leak oil on your skin and clothing
- If you touch tar balls, wash the oil off with soap and water
- Oil can be washed off clothing in the usual way you wash clothes
One way to help prevent the presence of oil in water is by recycling your used motor oil. Use Earth 911’s recycling locator to find nearby facilities. To find out about beach closures near you, visit Earth 911’s sister site Beaches 911.
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