Pallone Statement on Reports of Oil and Tar Balls off the Coast of Long Branch and Monmouth Beach

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued a statement following reports of oil and tar balls off the coast of Long Branch and Monmouth Beach. Pallone’s office confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a fly over to ensure contamination is localized. The Coast Guard will also lead official cleanup activities beginning today and will conduct sample testing to attempt to determine the source of the contamination.

 “I am concerned about reports of oil and tar balls off the coast of Long Branch and Monmouth Beach. I’ve been in touch with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection, and local officials to ensure we find out the origin of the oil and address environmental concerns. I’m ready to help deliver whatever resources are necessary to make sure our coast has what it needs to clean up the contamination.”