The Palisades fire burned to the beach, and that is a big problem for marine life, one that is continuing to impact the coast. The nonprofit organization Heal the Bay has been monitoring sea water following the fire and is now raising concerns about the presence of heavy metals and other toxins in the water.
While test results immediately after the fires indicated that the water quality at LA’s beaches was much better than expected, Heal the Bay’s science team is cautioning that “marine mammals, multiple fish populations, and other species further down the food chain are at serious risk from elevated levels of beryllium, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, and other harmful heavy metals and nutrients.”The newly released report finds, “Silver, arsenic and zinc were also detected above average marine-health limits. Aluminum, iron, and manganese also showed elevated levels, though no marine health limits exist for these metals.” Heal the Bay is urging authorities to expedite the removal of fire-related debris on PCH, where burned buildings continue to leach ash and toxins into the ocean.
“Even at low concentrations, heavy metals can disrupt vital biological processes, damage cells, and impair reproductive and immune functions for marine life,” the report states. “Metals can also be transferred and magnified through the food chain. This impacts the entire food web, which inevitably impacts humans. In short, when animals get sick, humans can get sick, particularly from consuming seafood that has a bioaccumulation of metals in their systems.”
Heal the Bay states that the most concerning findings come from the hardest-hit fire areas, including Topanga Beach, the Big Rock section of Malibu, and Will Rogers State Beach near Pacific Palisades, but that the waters around Santa Monica Pier and Dockweiler State Beach also tested positive for elevated levels of heavy metals. The organization is calling for more studies.
“These data do not tell us the current conditions in Santa Monica Bay, but they do provide valuable insight into the impacts of the Palisades Fire on marine life and the potential impacts on human health,” the report concludes.
The contaminants tested seem to be below human health limits for recreational contact for the data where limits could be identified. The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board is still assessing risk-thresholds, including those for PAH, a harmful organic compound related to fire-scorched debris. Heal the Bay advises beachgoers that, although PAHs are unlikely to sicken people who swim or surf a few times, frequent or prolonged exposure may contribute to an increased risk for future chronic health issues.
Beachgoers should also be careful about walking on the sand, which may contain sharp fire-related debris like nails and broken glass. For the time being, Heal the Bay recommends avoiding beaches within the fire-impacted areas and as far south as Montana Ave in Santa Monica. The Regional Water Quality Control Board has already posted some sand and sediment data for LA’s beaches.
Learn more at healthebay.org
