Sheen Incident Report: Offshore Huntington Beach, California
Ashton RouthierOverview of the Sheen Discovery
In recent weeks, a mysterious sheen was discovered offshore of Huntington Beach, catching the attention of both residents and visitors and raising immediate concerns about potential pollutants. Local authorities and environmentalists promptly mobilized resources for investigation, with emergency response teams and environmental organizations working to mitigate any damage. Despite thorough analysis by experts, the exact nature and origin of the sticky, black, tar-like material remain unknown, heightening concerns about its long-term environmental impact.
Initial Discovery and Response
On the morning of March 8, 2024 the US Coast Guard (USCG) contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator for California to request assistance with a 2.5 mile by 1.5 mile sheen of an unknown substance offshore of Huntington Beach in Orange County. The sheen was observed near oil platforms Emmy and Eva, approximately two miles from the Bolsa Chica wetlands. A USCG helicopter overflight provided initial photos and observations, while vessel-based responders collected on-water oil samples.
NOAA and USCG Coordination
At the request of the USCG, NOAA provided trajectory support to identify potential impacts on local natural resources at risk. A NOAA satellite imagery report indicated the presence of “possible oil.” Samples obtained from the pollutant were described as a sticky, black, tar-like substance. The USCG’s Incident Management Division collaborated with California’s Office of Spill Prevention & Response to process the samples at state labs, aiming to identify the substance and determine its possible source.
Protective Measures and Cleanup Efforts
During cleanup operations, crews observed tar balls larger than 15 centimeters. Protective strategies were deployed at Bolsa Chica Lagoon, Talbert Marsh, and the Santa Ana River out of an abundance of caution. By the evening of March 8, an estimated 85 gallons of the substance had been recovered before deteriorating sea conditions forced a pause in operations.
Tar balls were observed along the shoreline in Huntington Beach, prompting onshore recovery teams to assess and remove them as needed. No beach or fisheries closures were issued; however, the California Environmental Protection Agency advised against fishing in areas where there was visible sheen on the water.
Wildlife Impact and Response
The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) was activated, with crews surveying the shoreline and responding to reports of oiled wildlife. By March 15, the OWCN had captured nine oiled cormorants, one loon, and one grebe. The source of the sheen remains unidentified, but the substance matched the product that impacted the birds in care.
Demobilization and Ongoing Investigation
On March 10, with no additional actionable oil in the surf, the completion of oil removal, the removal of protective booming strategies, and the incident no longer presenting an imminent and substantial pollution threat, the response was demobilized. As of now, the responsible party or source of the sheen has yet to be identified.
Source: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/10751