Updated: October 12, 2021 (4 p.m.)

Southern California Oil Spill Incident
A unified command was established on Sunday, October 3, to respond to an oil spill in Orange County. The unified command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response. Supporting agencies are the cities of Long Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County and California State Parks. Amplify Energy Corp, the owner of the damaged pipeline that leaked the oil, is also part of the unified command. 

Entities have been actively working to assess, respond and mitigate the impacts of the oil spill. Thanks to all who have responded to this tragic oil spill incident and to the public for their patience. For details on the collaborative effort, please visit www.SoCalSpillResponse.com.  

Below are some key resources for the public:

STATUS OF STATE PARK UNITS

Orange County

• Reopened: Crystal Cove State Park fully reopened to the public today. Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach fully reopened to the public yesterday (view press release). The decision to reopen them comes after coastal ocean and wetlands water quality testing results showed non-detectable amounts of oil associated toxins in our ocean water. With the reopening of the state park units, California State Parks reminds everyone to utilize caution when visiting the beaches. Given the oil spill situation and impacts, an ongoing advisory notice remains in effect for all beaches in Huntington Beach. Beachgoers are advised to avoid areas where an oil smell is present. Further, we expect to see oiled materials and tar balls wash up on the beach, and individuals are advised not to handle or ingest any oil materials. If you do see oil or tar balls on the beach, please contact beach clean-up teams at tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov. 
  

San Diego County

• At this time, state park units in this county have not been impacted by the oil spill. State Parks continues to work with Unified Command on assessing any impacts. 

RESOURCES

• Decontamination of Vessels: Community members impacted by the oil spill who need to file a claim can call 1-866-985-8366. Vessel cleaning is scheduled upon filing a claim and will not be available without an appointment. If a vessel has been impacted by the oil spill, we want to remind people not to clean their oiled vessels with any type of soaps or dispersants or show up to a cleaning station without an appointment. Using these products can make the situation worse as they are not effective on this type of oil.
• Volunteers: The volunteer program for the incident has received an enormous show of support for the environment and the community. Over 10,000 volunteers signed up to assist with the incident response. At this time, the need for volunteers has been fulfilled and CalSpillWatch will be closing its volunteer registration portal. A huge thank you to everyone who signed up and for all your support, you are all greatly appreciated.
• Wildlife: Do not attempt to help or capture any oiled wildlife. Report sightings to 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-UCD-OWCN (877-823-6926) (This # is solely for wildlife response)
• Tar Ball Sightings: If you spot oil, please contact tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov.
• Oil Spill Response: The latest information on the oil spill response can be found at www.SoCalSpillResponse.com.

Below you will find a list of state park units impacted by previous wildfires that remain fully or partially closed. The public is advised to avoid these public outdoor spaces at this time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

CZU August Lightning Complex Fire

Partially Closed:
San Mateo County

• Butano SP (limited day use)

Santa Cruz County

• Big Basin Redwoods SP - (Media Downloads)
  • The park remains partially closed. Portions of the Rancho Del Oso coastal unit are now open daily.
  • Learn how State Parks and partners are working to have Big Basin Redwoods State Park re-emerge as one of California’s greatest natural cathedrals, as well as a model for California’s resilient and inclusive parks at ReimaginingBigBasin.org.

Glass Fire

Partially Closed:
Napa County

• Bothe-Napa Valley SP (Operated by Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District)

Partially Closed:
Sonoma County

• Sugarloaf Ridge SP (Operated by Team Sugarloaf)

Jones Fire

Partially Closed:
Nevada County

• South Yuba River SP (Independence Trail)

LNU Lightning Complex Fire

Fully Closed:
Sonoma County

• Armstrong Redwoods SNR - (Media Downloads) - This park unit is set to partially reopen on Friday, October 29. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked to restore safe access to the public.
• Austin Creek SRA

Tamarack Fire

Fully Closed:
Alpine County

• Grover Hot Springs SP will be closed until further notice. This park unit suffered significant damages to park facilities and trees. Thank you for your patience as the staff works to remove hazard trees and restore its infrastructure.