City Of Del Mar: Boom At River Removed As Spill Response Winds Down

Press release from the City of Del Mar:

October 19, 2021

Authorities have removed the boom protecting the San Dieguito wetlands from contamination as the regional response to an Oct. 2 oil spill near Huntington Beach winds down.

Protective booms stretched across the openings of other coastal lagoons in San Diego and Orange Counties also have been removed.

Based upon monitoring, authorities have concluded the devices no longer are needed.

Daily briefings on the spill response have been reduced to twice a week.

Last week, monitoring teams and lifeguards found a light scattering of tar balls on the beach in Del Mar, which has remained open throughout the response.

Testing of the tar has not concluded whether it originated from the spill in Orange County.

Health officials advise beachgoers to avoid contact with tar balls and not to collect them or bring them to a local lifeguard station. In the event of contact with the skin, wash the affected area with skin-safe cleaners and water. Do not use degreasers, cleaning solutions or solvents as they may irritate the skin further.

Open Tar Ball Facts flyer (PDF)

Open Public Health Advisory

Open the Southern California Spill Response website

Open the Oiled Life Care Network webpage

This press release was produced by the City of Del Mar. The views expressed here are the author’s own.