Federal, state agencies responding to contaminated wildlife, oiled birds, tar balls along north Oregon and south Washington coasts May 19th; Dozen birds impacted

Posted on by Editor
www.tillamookcountypioneer.net

(SEATTLE – U.S. Coast Guard) – Federal agencies along with Washington and Oregon state agencies are responding to a tar-like substance from an unknown source affecting a shoreline near Beards Hollow, Washington, and multiple birds in northern Oregon and southern Washington, Wednesday.

The oil spill response organization NWFF Environmental has been contracted to clean up tar balls that were discovered along Benson Beach and a beach at Beards Hollow in Ilwaco, Washington.

Responders have collected samples of the tar balls and sent them to a lab for analysis.

The first reports of tar balls and potentially contaminated wildlife began on Sunday, May 19.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 21st, a total of ten contaminated birds have been located at various locations extending from Lincoln City, Oregon, north to Long Beach, Washington.

In Washington, four contaminated Common Murres were recovered by rescue personnel, as well as two dead contaminated murres. One of the live murres was euthanized following further evaluation of its injuries.

Oiled Common Murre – unknown photographer, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges

Four contaminated murres were also recovered alive in Oregon.

The Coast Guard conducted a shoreline assessment in Long Beach, Washington, and two helicopter overflights of the Oregon and Washington coastlines with no reports of additional affected areas.

A joint team consisting of members from Washington Ecology and the Coast Guard conducted shoreline assessments Tuesday along Long Beach.

Oiled Sabine’s gull – Photo by Amy Summerfelt

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).

Untrained handling of affected wildlife is dangerous to the animals and any individuals attempting to help.

The Coast Guard and other agencies are working together to determine the source of the tar-like substance. At this time, the source is currently unknown.

 

The Wildlife Center of the North Coast is currently caring for several birds that were recently found along the coast covered in oil.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
TOWELS: We are in need of Large Size Bath or Beach TOWELS – without holes or snags…these can be dropped off at our clinic intake room during regular daily hours.
GLOVES: We are always in need of gloves – and especially going thru them more quickly when we are handling messy situations (like oiled birds) – all sizes appreciated, latex-free. These can also be dropped off if you’re local or shipped via our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA
(or) mail direct to: 89686 Hwy 202 Astoria, OR 97103
DONATE: We have a small, dedicated staff and depend on our amazing volunteer team and generous friends like you to continue the life-saving work we love. WCNC relies on public donations and grants to fund our daily operations. If you would like to support our non-profit organization with a monetary donation, you’re welcome to donate directly online at: https://coastwildlife.org/donate/
Our vision is a community where wildlife thrives. And with your support, we can make that happen.

Agencies involved in this response are: