As you are probably aware, a large oil spill has recently occurred off the coast of Orange County. City staff is currently working closely with the San Diego County Emergency Operations Center and the Orange County Incident Management Team to plan, assess, and mitigate any potential impacts to our local beaches and lagoons in relation to the oil spill. Lifeguards are closely monitoring the local beaches and coastal waters for potential impacts.  

Based on increased reports of tar balls washing ashore on North County beaches, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is advising residents to exercise caution at local beaches and to avoid contact if tar balls are seen. At this time, all Solana Beach beaches are open.

It is important to note that natural geologic processes may sometimes cause tar balls to wash ashore, and it is unclear if the increased numbers are directly related to the Oct. 3, 2021 oil spill in Orange County. Visible oil has not been detected here in Solana Beach.

Because oil content may vary widely based on location, the health impact of the current situation is presently unknown and this warning is precautionary.

Although crude or processed oil can be carcinogenic and contact should be avoided, occasional brief contact is unlikely to cause significant or lasting health concerns for most people. However, some individuals are especially sensitive to certain chemicals which may be found in oil slicks or tar balls and may therefore develop skin rashes or other reactions as a result.

If contact occurs, the body area should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or other skin-safe cleaners. Do not use degreasers, cleaning solutions or solvents as they may damage the skin further. If a significant rash or other reaction occurs, consult your primary care provider.

How to Report

The incident has activated a reporting email for tar balls/oil sightings on the beach. Please email tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov and include the following information:

  1. Date the oil was observed
  2. Time the oil was observed
  3. Specific location oil was observed (gps coordinates preferred)
  4. Descriptive photographs of the oil (please do not touch it)
  5. A short visual/physical description of the oil
  6. Estimated quantity
  7. Contact information for follow-up 

If you see wildlife affected by oil, do not attempt to help as this requires special handling. Instead, observations of oiled wildlife should be reported to the oiled wildlife hotline at (877) 823-6926.

For more information on the Orange County Oil Spill, please visit https://socalspillresponse.com/.