St. Johns County says beach tar balls non-toxic

Historic City News has been informed that a small number of tar balls were found today on a beach in southern St. Johns County; according to County Spokesperson Karen Pan.

The United States Coast Guard is managing clean-up efforts this afternoon and collecting samples for testing; which may take 3 to 5 days to evaluate.

Officials do not believe the tar balls are related to the BP oil spill; located more than 1,000 miles away in the Gulf of Mexico.

“The tar balls are quite weathered with no remaining petroleum in them; they are mostly paraffin or wax,” Pan told Historic City News. “The quantity is very low and officials do not expect any adverse impact on wildlife.”

The northeast Florida region has experienced approximately 10 consecutive days of onshore wind, which is believed to have caused a higher than normal amount of seaweed to come ashore — along with the tar balls. The County is stressing that the tar balls are non-hazardous and are consistent with experiences in past years under similar coastal conditions.

According to Pan, deposits have been observed in isolated instances only and none have been observed north of the St. Augustine Inlet. All St. Johns County beaches remain open and safe for the public.

“The tar balls are not harmful and have had virtually no impact on thousands of people enjoying the beaches today,” Pan said. “However, if beachgoers encounter a tar patty, they are advised not to touch it.”

For updates on current beach conditions, call the St. Johns County beaches hotline at (904) 209-0331.

Photo: © 2010 WJXT uncredited photographer