Orange County Oil Spill Resources

On Saturday October 10, 2021, the National Response Center officially declared that an oil spill had occurred miles offshore from the Huntington Beach area. On this page, you will find a list of resources that will help protect you, your loved ones, our environment, and our local economy.

Unified Command

“Unified Command” refers to the multi-agency panel created to coordinate our response to this oil spill. This panel includes the United States Coast Guard (USCG), California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), representatives from Orange and San Diego Counties, and Amplify Energy Corp.

For more information about the oil spill and Unified Command, please visit their website at socalspillresponse.com
Sign up for official email updates from Unified Command by Clicking Here

Staying Safe

Oil contains hazardous chemicals, and for safety reasons, we ask the public not to handle any tar balls or oil. If skin contact occurs, was the area with soap and water or baby oil.

Beachgoers should report tar balls by emailing TarBallReports@wildlife.ca.gov

Protecting Wildlife

If you see oiled wildlife, please call 1 (877) 823-6923 and report immediately. DO NOT PICK UP OILED WILDLIFE

For information on oiled wildlife recovered following this incident, please visit the U.C Davis Oiled Wildlife Care Network’s webpage by Clicking Here

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering with the cleanup response to this oil spill or other volunteering opportunities generally, please visit the webpages below:

Join the Natural Resource Volunteer Program
Learn more from the Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Join #CaliforniansForAll for year-round volunteer opportunities
Check out additional NGO volunteer opportunities here.
Additional environmental projects can be found by visiting the California Climate Action Corps Volunteer Hub, here.

Beach Closures

Local governments manage local beach opening and closing statuses. For the latest information regarding beach statuses in Orange County, please Click Here.

Harbors

For more information on the status of a local harbor, please Click Here.

Fisheries

For information on the status of local fisheries, please Click Here.

Claims

Community members impacted by the oil spill can file claims by calling 1 (866) 985-8366

Boat Damage

Boats affected by the oil spill that need hull oil removal must call and file a claim first. Claims Hotline 1-866-985-8366.

Please do not bring your boat to the center without an appointment