The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating after tar balls were seen washed up on southeast Florida beaches.
The substances were reported in the Palm Beach, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach areas on Saturday, Petty Officer Diana Sherbs told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.
“At first light (Sunday) morning, Coast Guard personnel assessed the area to find the conditions remained the same, if not improved,” the statement said. “We are collaborating with local government agencies to prepare for future cleanup operations in specific areas.”
Tar balls are solid or semi-solid “fragments or lumps of oil,” according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. They are sticky and can range from pinhead size to around 30 centimeters – nearly 12 inches – in diameter.
Sources may generally include offshore petroleum production, discharges during marine transportation and naturally occurring seepage from the ocean floor, the Florida DEP said.
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“A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 crew and Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale boat crew deployed to investigate a potential source but did not find where the tar balls came from,” Sherbs added.
Beaches monitored by Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue are currently open, according to the county’s website. Pompano and Deerfield Beach did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s requests for comment on potential closures.
The Florida DEP described tar balls as a “nuisance.” Those who find residue on their body can rinse the area with fresh water and scrape it off. The agency recommended using a mineral oil or grease removing agent, and then rinsing the affected area again.
Beachgoers who encounter additional pollution can report it to the National Response Center by calling 800-424-8802, the Coast Guard’s Sherbs noted.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
