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California

What’s open and closed because of the oil spill in Orange County

An oil slick believed to have originated from a pipeline leak has hit Huntington Beach, closing a stretch of beach and raising grave wildlife and environmental concerns.

By Hannah FryStaff Writer 
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The large oil spill off the Orange County coast has prompted closures and safety advisories. Estimates about the size of the spill have varied widely over the last six days. Coast Guard officials said Thursday that between 24,696 gallons and 131,000 gallons of oil leaked out of the pipeline. Officials said the 131,000-gallon estimate is the worst-case scenario.

Huntington Beach, CA - October 03: An aerial view of a major oil spill washing ashore with birds feeding at the water's edge on the border of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach at the Santa Ana River Jetties Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 in Huntington Beach, CA. Crews raced Sunday morning to contain the damage from a major oil spill off the Orange County coast that left crude spoiling beaches, killing fish and birds and threatening local wetlands. The oil slick is believed to have originated from a pipeline leak, pouring 126,000 gallons into the coastal waters and seeping into the Talbert Marsh as lifeguards deployed floating barriers known as booms to try to stop further incursion, said Jennifer Carey, Huntington Beach city spokesperson. At sunrise Sunday, oil was on the sand in some parts of Huntington Beach with slicks visible in the ocean as well. "We classify this as a major spill, and it is a high priority to us to mitigate any environmental concerns," Carey said. "It's all hands on deck." (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

California

Massive oil spill sends crude onto Orange County beaches, killing birds, marine life

An oil slick believed to have originated from a pipeline leak has hit Huntington Beach, closing a stretch of beach and raising grave wildlife and environmental concerns.

Oct. 3, 2021

Here is what’s open and closed because of the spill:

Beach and harbor closures

  • From Seapoint Street in Huntington Beach to the Newport Beach city limit. The shoreline and water are closed, but the sand is open for active use. Huntington Beach officials said the spill brings toxicity that could be harmful, so people should stay clear of the water.
  • The shoreline and water are closed in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, but people can walk or exercise on the sand.
  • Corona del Mar State Beach is closed until further notice.
  • Newport Harbor and Dana Point Harbor reopened Friday afternoon.
  • No swimming or access to the shoreline is permitted at Bolsa Chica State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park and Huntington State Beach. Portions of the sand are open.
  • Strands Beach and Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point have reopened.
Huntington Beach, CA - October 03: A ball floats amidst oil that formed into globules, foam and sheen that flowed in from high tide and was held back by a sand berm and boom in a trapped pool as a major oil spill washes ashore on the border of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach at the Santa Ana River Jetties Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Crews raced Sunday morning to contain the damage from a major oil spill off the Orange County coast that left crude spoiling beaches, killing fish and birds and threatening local wetlands. The oil slick is believed to have originated from a pipeline leak, pouring 126,000 gallons into the coastal waters and seeping into the Talbert Marsh as lifeguards deployed floating barriers known as booms to try to stop further incursion, said Jennifer Carey, Huntington Beach city spokesperson. At sunrise Sunday, oil was on the sand in some parts of Huntington Beach with slicks visible in the ocean as well. "We classify this as a major spill, and it is a high priority to us to mitigate any environmental concerns," Carey said. "It's all hands on deck." (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

California

What caused the massive oil spill off Huntington Beach? Here is what we know

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said a broken pipeline connected to an offshore oil platform called Elly caused the spill.

Oct. 3, 2021

Marine life

  • People are asked not to approach potentially affected wildlife, as “they can cause more harm than good to the animals,” but instead call the UC Davis Oiled Wildlife Care Network at (877) 823-6926. “Members of the public should avoid the oiled shoreline, as the area is unsafe and should be cleaned only by trained contractors,” said Eric Laughlin, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Officials said oil entered Talbert Marsh in Huntington Beach. Officials have closed the tidal inlet with sand berms and have deployed floating booms to protect wildlife areas.
  • No oil has entered the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

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Hannah Fry

Hannah Fry covers breaking news for the Los Angeles Times. She most recently covered Orange County for The Times and has written extensively about criminal trials, housing, politics and government. In 2020, Fry was part of the team that was a Pulitzer finalist for its coverage of a boat fire that killed 34 people off the coast of Santa Barbara. Fry came to The Times from the Daily Pilot, where she covered coastal cities, education and crime. An Orange County native, Fry started her career as an intern at the Orange County Register.

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