SEASIDE, Ore. — Nearly almost a ton of tar balls has been cleaned up across the Oregon and southern Washington coasts as of Friday.
More than 300 miles were surveyed, with 36 miles cleaned in both states, according to Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Fourteen agencies and companies comprised of 113 people from Oregon and Washington state agencies, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies, worked over 20 days, the DEQ said.
“The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies and organizations have been instrumental in addressing this environmental issue swiftly and effectively,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Bonnie Stewart of the Unified Command in a press release. “We thank all those involved for their commitment to protecting our coastal ecosystems.”
Earlier in May, hundreds of pieces of tar, some the size of sand dollars, were found on beaches along the Oregon Coast. This came after reports of multiple birds covered in a tar-like substance mysteriously showing up in coastal beaches in Oregon and southern Washington.
As of Saturday, the investigation into the source of the oil is ongoing. Lab testing indicates the oil and tar balls are petroleum-based, the DEQ said.
All oiled beaches are cleaned, though "a small amount of oily material may still be present in some areas," the DEQ said. If anyone encounters tar balls or oil on the beach or in the water, avoid touching them, and report them to the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802.
For sightings of oiled birds or other wildlife, report to 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737). Handling said wildlife can be dangerous to both the animals and individuals trying to help, the DEQ warned.