Posted August 21, 2015
by Los Angeles Times
Santa Barbara County health officials Friday closed Summerland Beach after large volumes of oil washed up on the sand. (Credit: KEYT)
Santa Barbara County health officials Friday closed Summerland Beach after large volumes of oil washed up on the sand.
Health officials say they first issued a health warning about 1:30 p.m. after oil was spotted in the water and on the sand, then closed the beach a few hours later. They said there were also reports of strong petroleum odor in the area.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the area about 3 p.m. in response to a call about a 300-yard substance near the beach.
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.