FAQ
What happened?
On October 2, 2021, a 126,000-gallon oil leak occurred off the coast of Orange County. Clean-up efforts are currently underway, and the City of Huntington Beach coordinated closely with the US Coast Guard to track the approximate six nautical mile spill that has left toxic oil along the beaches and portions of wetlands. All available actions are being taken by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure the safety of the public and response personnel, to control the source and recover spilled materials, to maximize the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and minimize impact to maritime commerce.
Who is responsible?
The City of Huntington Beach has confirmed that the company responsible for the oil spill is Beta Offshore, a California subsidiary of Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation. The firm is also working on the clean-up effort, and in the coming days and weeks, the City will be working to ensure that Amplify Energy Corporation does everything possible to rectify this environmental catastrophe.
Can I still visit the beach?
As of 10/5/21, the sand and beach bike path remain open, but the shoreline and water are closed from the Santa Ana River Jetty up to and including Bolsa Chica State Beach. Sunset Beach remains open.
What is the air & water quality like?
At this time, South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is monitoring air quality conditions in Orange County and will advise residents if there are any air quality concerns. These air quality updates will also be posted on this website.
The City is also working with water quality experts to take regular samples of the water along our coast and inlets to determine the level of contaminants that are associated with the oil spill. As this effort gets underway, detailed information will be made available on this site.
How long will it take to clean it up?
At this time, it is unclear as to how long the ocean and shoreline closure will be in effect, or how long the oil spill clean-up efforts will take.
How can I help?
Public volunteers who want to assist with the oil spill can now register today.
Email beachcleanups@hsb.surfrider.org or text OILSPILL to 51555 for updates on how to take action and volunteer.
Additional volunteer information can be found at https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/Volunteer.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to emergency efforts, click here. All the funds Bolsa Chica Conservatory raises will be donated to the organizations deployed in response to this oil spill and assisting affected wildlife.
Where do I report oiled wildlife?
Do not pick up or try to care for oiled wildlife. Please report observations of animals in need to the oiled wildlife hotline at 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926).
