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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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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