An oil pipeline leakage off the coast of Southern California near Huntington Beach caused more than 125,000 gallons of oil to spill into the Pacific Ocean putting the wildlife habitats in the utmost danger.
Dead fishes and birds were witnessed washing away along the coast. The spill occurred on October 3, 2021, covering around 13-square-miles into the water, which led to the city officials closing the beaches for a while.
Image: CNN
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley claimed that they have started to find dead birds and fish washing up off the shore.
The spill has almost spread entirely covering the areas of coastal wetlands including the Talbert Marsh ecological reserve, which is home to almost 90 bird species and is used as a rest stop by them while migrating from the Arctic region to South America.
Health officials of Orange County recommended the residents to avoid activities on the coastline and warned people who accidentally encountered the oil to seek medical attention as it could cause eye and skin irritation, headache and vomiting, with children and older people more at risk.
County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau said;
Even when an oil sheen may not be visible, dispersed and dissolved oil contaminants may exist in the water.
The reason that caused the oil spill is still unclear but the authorities are investigating and believe a ship’s anchor to be one of the possible reasons behind the spill.
Image: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
Environmentalists feared about the oil affecting the birds and marine life harmfully but Michael Ziccardi, a veterinarian and director confirmed that as of now only four oily birds has been found with prolonged injuries but the number might increase rapidly.
Also Read: A Huge Oil Spill is Spreading Along Syria’s Coast
The oil spill is among one of the devastations harming not only the environment but also highly affecting the wildlife adversely. The company is owning up to the current scenario and claims to take the whole responsibility for the ongoing situation.
Image: CNN
Image: CNN
Image: Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Image: Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Image: Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Image: Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Via: CNN