The Public Health Department re-opened Summerland Beach on Monday after it was closed last Friday due to strong petroleum odors and tarry surf. Because of tide activity, the Public Health Department stated that there are no more health risks. However, warnings remain in place since oil and odor conditions can change quickly. The Public Health Department and Air Pollution Control District continue to monitor the beach for oil by testing water, sand, and air samples.
Although there are seeps and oil wells in the area around Summerland Beach, the source of oil and odors has still not been identified. In the meantime, any oil sightings should be reported to either the USCG National Response Center (NRC) at 800-424-8802 or the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) at 800-852-7550.