Authorities still haven’t identified the source of the tar-like substance that has been washing up on Oregon and Washington beaches and endangering wildlife, although officials warned people not to touch it in a statement released Saturday.
The oily substance made its first appearance Sunday and prompted officials to form a Unified Command on Thursday made up of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Washington Department of Ecology, officials said.
On Saturday, officials said that the substance was appearing along the coast from Long Beach, Washington, to south of Newport near mile post 146.
Officials say that the substance can resemble sticky “tar balls,” and their origin remains unknown. Responders have submitted samples for laboratory testing, but officials don’t expect results until next week.
Officials said on Thursday that they had found and treated multiple birds covered in oil in the area, most of which were common murres.
In order to contain the substance, officials said on Thursday they have contracted NWFF Environmental and NorthWest HazMat, both oil spill response organizations that are assisting with cleanup in Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.
On Saturday, officials announced that they will be doing aerial reconnaissance along Oregon’s coast over the weekend and urged people to avoid flying drones in the area which could interfere with their operations.
Officials added that people shouldn’t try to clean up the substance themselves and that anyone who touches the substance should wash it off with soap or degreasing dishwashing detergent and water.
If you see birds affected by the substance, officials recommend calling 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737) to get expert help.
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