Coast Guard Cleaning Up Tar Balls Found On Long Branch Beaches

LONG BRANCH, NJ — It's still unknown what's causing little pieces of tar to wash up on beaches from Sea Bright to Long Branch.

But we're cleaning it up, said the U.S. Coast Guard.

"We received initial reports of tar balls ranging in size from approximately 1-2 inches and smaller near Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park on Tuesday morning and dispatched pollution response personnel to investigate," said the Coast Guard Wednesday. "Additionally, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City conducted an overflight of the area to identify any oil pollution in the water. No oil was observed in the water during the flight."

Former NBC New York reporter Brian Thompson speculated on Twitter that the tar balls could be fuel from a passing ship that illegally emptied its bilge tank, and the cold ocean water made the fuel congeal into little balls.

The Coast Guard said they could not confirm that. But they've had crews at Seven Presidents and nearby beaches Tuesday and Wednesday, cleaning up the tar that washed ashore. Some pieces are the size of a penny, but some chunks are much larger. Clean Ocean Action said they've also seen small oil slicks on Long Branch beaches.

"Crews are working to assess both shoreline and waterway impacts from Sea Bright to Long Branch and additional personnel are investigating to determine the source of the tar balls," said the Coast Guard.

"Beachgoers and mariners are advised to avoid contact with the tar balls," said the Coast Guard. "Anyone who notices any tar balls or oil sheen in the area should contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. There are no reports of impacted wildlife at this time."

Tar Balls, Oil Appearing On Long Branch Beaches (Nov. 28)