RAIN HELPED DISPERSE OIL

SB POLICE REPORT

Seal Beach was largely spared from spill

Coastal shores from Seal Beach to Huntington were open as of Monday, according to California State Parks officials. Seal Beach has remained open in the wake of an oil spill that closed beaches to the south so crews could remove balls and oily debris.

As of Oct. 11, 5,544 total gallons of crude oil have been recovered after the offshore oil spill was reported Oct. 2, according to Seal Beach police. A 17-mile pipeline leaked under 30,000 gallons of crude oil in the ocean, according to news reports. Original reports overestimated the amount of oil spilled by more than 100,000 gallons.

The decision to reopen Huntington Beach was made after water-quality testing results showed non-detectable amounts of oil-associated toxins in ocean water, according to Huntington Beach police.

Officials are warning the public to not handle any tar balls they may encounter on the sand. Oil contains hazard- ous chemicals.

If skin contact occurs, they are advised to wash the area with soap and water or baby oil and avoid using solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or similar products on the skin.

Officials say these products, when applied to skin, present a greater health hazard than the tar ball itself.

Beachgoers who encounter tar balls were encouraged to email tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov.

Currently, there is no water quality threat in Seal Beach as currents continue to pull south along the coast.

The City of Seal Beach, Seal Beach Police Department, Marine Safety Department and Orange County Fire Authority worked closely with Orange County and City of Long Beach partners to monitor off-shore waters.

The City of Seal Beach is supporting the U.S. Coast Guard; the cities of Long Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach; Orange County; and other partner cities and agencies.

The public is encouraged to monitor the Seal Beach Police Department’s social media (@ sealbeachpolice) and sign up for Nixle Alerts by texting your Zip code to 888777.

For more information, contact the Seal Beach Marine Safety Department at (562) 430-2613.

—from SBPD and news reports