Mystery Tarball Incident; Pacifica, CA

Pacifica, CA | 2008-Jan-29

Initial Notification: On January 28, 2008, tarballs began washing ashore on numerous beaches between Mussel Rocks and Carmel, CA with the highest concentration being reported near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. Shoreline surveys & cleanup were initiated by Cosco Busan responders, a NOAA trajectory hindcast was requested and tarball samples were sent for laboratory analysis to determine whether the oil was from the Cosco Busan incident or some other source. Both trajectory estimates and analytical results were consistent with natural seep area(s) south of Monterey Bay as the potential oil source.