Oil Sheen: Measures Are In Place To Protect Wetlands & Wildlife After OC Oil Sheen Spotted

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA —Authorities investigated another possible oil slick spotted off the coast of Huntington Beach this week.

On Wednesday a sheen was detectedabout a mile offshore from Bolsa Chica State Beach, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response. The source of the sheen was unknown, but there were no immediate impacts on the shoreline.

According to the department, "protective strategies" were implemented overnight at "sensitive environmental sites" as a precaution, including Talbert Marsh, Bolsa Chica wetlands, Newport Slough and the Santa Ana River.

"An overflight is scheduled for this (Thursday) morning," according to an OSPR Twitter post. "Samples were collected yesterday as part of the investigation and the source is yet to be determined."

OSPR, @USCGSoCal and County of Orange are responding to a report of a sheen approximately one-mile offshore Bolsa Chica State Beach. At this time, the source has not been determined. More information will be posted as available.
— CDFW Spill Prevention & Response (@CalSpillWatch) December 22, 2021

Last week, authorities responded to an oil sheen in roughly the same area, but about two miles off the coast.

Investigators said that sheen did not appear to be the result of a pipeline leak.

Oil Pipeline Leak From October, Explained:

In October, an oil spill occurred after an underwater pipeline from offshore platform Elly ruptured. The line, bowed significantly, leaked roughly 30,000 gallons of oil into Orange County waters. Residents reported smelling gas in the air during the Huntington Beach air show, which was summarily canceled.

Soon after, tarballs began washing up on Orange County shores, and residents began to notice oil sheens in the ocean water. An 800-plus strong force of U.S. Coast Guard crews and volunteers to take to the beach in a massive cleanup effort. The leak also forced the cancellation of the popular Huntington Beach Airshow, which was already underway when the spill was noticed.

While the cleanup ensued, Orange County residents questioned what caused the oil spill to begin with, and pushes calling for an end to offshore drilling intensified across the Golden State. Orange County elected officials wondered why neither they or the public were notified of the spill sooner.

A major pipeline leak was deemed responsible for a large release of oil that occurred off the Orange County coast in early October, prompting the closure of beaches and businesses along the shoreline.

Related:

Amplify Energy Faces Federal Charge For Orange County Oil Spill

Oil Spill Creeps South, Calls To Ban Offshore Drilling Intensify