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Published on February 18th, 2008

Tar Balls Found on California Beaches Not Linked to Oil Spill

by Trey Granger

The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Fish and Game has found that tar balls found in the San Francisco Bay in late January are not related to the Cosco Busan oil spill that occurred in November 2007.

Balls filled with oil were found on shorelines from Monterey County to San Francisco County, which were originally thought to be remains from an oil spill in the San Francisco Bay. The Coast Guard has determined that the tar balls were actually formed naturally from an oil-bearing rock offshore.

In January, an unusual amount of tar balls were found in the water. Because they are naturally occuring, there is no need for future cleanup.

The Coast Guard has released a fact sheet about tar balls, but here are a few tips:

  • Tar balls may seem firm, but should be left alone because they can leak oil on your skin and clothing
  • If you touch tar balls, wash the oil off with soap and water
  • Oil can be washed off clothing in the usual way you wash clothes

One way to help prevent the presence of oil in water is by Beaches 911.

Trey Granger

Trey Granger

Trey Granger is a staff member at Earth911.com.

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