Charleston, SC - Since last Tuesday's oil spill, tar balls have been washing up in the Lowcountry.

 

Chief Patrick Ender with the Coast Guard says that no more oil has been reported on the open water in the harbor and tar balls have stopped showing up near the Charleston Harbor area, but now the mess has shifted further south.

 

“Right now we are mostly seeing them wash ashore on the beaches, more in the southern part, Kiawah, Seabrook, Edisto islands,” Ender said.

 

Coast Guard crews are now working to clean tar balls off of those areas.

 

“Right now the strategy is to keep ahead of it, keep shoreline assessments going south of it, so if and when we do see it on the beaches, try to get clean up personnel there as fast as possible,” said Ender.

 

Meanwhile, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says the threat for marine life below the water is low, but those that spend more time on the surface, like wading and diving birds could be more at risk.

 

”The oil on the feathers of a bird can decrease its water resistance and insulation, so the bird can actually die from hypothermia, because their feathers are no longer insulating them,” said Priscilla Wendt, marine biologist with DNR.

 

DNR reports that a pelican was taken into an animal hospital for treatment that may be related to the spill.

 

If you see any animals that appear to sick or injured due to the spill call DNR at 1-800-922-5431 and if you see any tar balls call the Coast Guard at (843)740-7090.

           

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