FORT MACON, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2010) — Coast Guard pollution investigators analyzed samples of substances found on the beaches at Harkers Island and Atlantic Beach Thursday confirming that they are not oil-based.
In the first report from the National Weather Service, a concerned citizen stated finding tar balls on Harkers Island, but they were determined by Coast Guard pollution investigators to be a form of algae.
In the second report from the National Response Center, tar balls were found in the vicinity of Atlantic Beach, but Coast Guard pollution investigators determined the pollution to be roofing tar dropped from a person and not ocean based.
Marine Fisheries also responded to Harkers Island.
The Coast Guard urges anyone who suspects or sees pollution on a beach to call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard