Strong petroleum odors in the area prompted the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to address the issue on Friday, saying contact could “pose short-term health impacts”. Officials shut down the beach immediately and it is unclear when it will be reopened. County Parks, Public Health, and the Air Pollution Control District will determine the risk to public health and could even suggest future course of action.
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“Yes, there’s oil on the beach and that’s also a problem”, said Byrd. She said some people are more sensitive than others.
Large volumes of oil washed up on the sand making Santa Barbara County health officials to close Summerland Beach on Friday. It is quite possible that an old oil well in the area has some issue which could be causing leakage. Large amounts of natural seepage are present that can foul it beaches, suspected the officials.
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County health officials said they don’t know where the oil is coming from, but they don’t believe it is related to the Refugio oil spill that occurred May 19.
