Since the May 19th oil spill near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, there have been reports of unexplained oil and tar washing ashore on Los Angeles County beaches. Tar blobs reported on beaches in the South Bay on May 27th lead to the closure of 9 miles of beach south of LAX for several days last week. On June 4th, 4 miles of beach in Long Beach were closed as a result of tar blobs that began washing ashore. Authorities have not yet determined if the local appearance of tar blobs on beaches is related to the Refugio oil spill or not.
Unfortunately, tar balls have been observed at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park within the past 24 hours. County, State and Federal authorities have been advised of this development, and the City is cooperating with these agencies in monitoring and responding to the situation. In addition, the City's environmental inspector has conducted beach inspections to help to detemine the extent and rate or change of tar ball deposits. The City will share this information with our County, State and Federal partner agencies.
At this time, the City is not aware of tar balls on other beaches in Rancho Palos Verdes. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is open to the public for regular posted summer hours. However, this is subject to change with little or no notice, and the City appreciates the public's assistance and cooperation with any temporary access restrictions that might need to be imposed. Tar balls may be hazardous or irritating, so do not attempt to pick up oil or tar yourself.
In the event that you observe oil or tar washing ashore in the City or elsewhere, please report it to the Refugio Response Joint Information Center (see link below) or call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802. Oiled wildlife should be reported to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at (877) 823-6926.