Press Release   ·   May 23, 2024

DEQ and other state and federal agencies responding to report of tar patties on Oregon Coast

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), as well as federal agencies, are responding Thursday to the report of pieces of tar found on beaches along the Oregon Coast.

Agencies received a report of pieces of tar in patties about the size of a sand dollar on Wednesday at Cannon Beach. The Coast Guard confirmed tar patties on Cannon Beach. The ODFW reported finding tar patties on Thursday near Lincoln City on the central Oregon Coast.

The agencies and partner agencies in Washington are forming a unified command to guide response in both states.

The report at Cannon Beach and finding at Lincoln City comes after the discovery of multiple birds affected by a tar-like substance along the shoreline in northern Oregon and southern Washington, as well as tar balls in southern Washington.

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 U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies are working together to determine the source of the tar-like substance. The source is unknown.

Agencies involved in this response are:

• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Washington Department of Ecology

• U.S. Coast Guard

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality protects human health and the environment by controlling air and water pollution, reducing the impacts of manufactured products and cleaning up contaminated properties. DEQ engages the public in decision-making and helps communities solve problems in ways that are economically and environmentally sustainable.

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