Current Rainstorm and Tidal Activity are Contributors to Summerland Beach Oil Sheen
According to a press release from the California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, our current rainstorm and tidal activity could have been a contributing factor to the natural oil seepage. Lab results "from multiple locations onshore and offshore of Summerland indicate the product is consistent with local natural seep oil." Another possibility is that the oil seepage could have been from the 200 legacy wells sitting off the coast of Summerland.
The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response assert that as of Saturday, January 14, the oil cannot be recovered, though cleanup contractors are on standby. One oiled bird was rescued by wildlife reconnaissance crews.
Read the California Office of Spill Prevention and Response full press release here: