State, federal agencies search for source of tar found along Oregon coast, tar-like substance on several birds
CANNON BEACH, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon environmental, parks and wildlife officials, as well as federal agencies, responded Thursday to investigate reports of pieces of tar found on beaches along the Oregon coast, days after several birds were found with a tar-like substance along the coast.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said agencies received a report of pieces of tar in patties about the size of a sand dollar on Wednesday at Cannon Beach. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed tar patties on Cannon Beach. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported finding tar patties on Thursday near Lincoln City on the central Oregon coast.
The agencies and partner agencies in Washington were forming a unified command to guide response in both states.
The report at Cannon Beach and finding at Lincoln City came after the discovery of multiple birds affected by a tar-like substance along the shoreline in northern Oregon and southern Washington, as well as tar balls in southern Washington.
"We strongly advise the public not to handle any tar or oily product found or attempt to assist affected wildlife along the shore, but to report these findings to 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737)," DEQ said in a news release.
"Untrained handling of affected wildlife is dangerous to the animals and any individuals attempting to help," they added.
The Coast Guard and other agencies were working together to determine the source of the tar-like substance, which as of Thursday afternoon was unknown.
Agencies involved in this response are:
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Washington Department of Ecology
- U.S. Coast Guard
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
