Some Encinitas beaches reopen after fuel spill

Some Encinitas beaches reopen after fuel spill
ENCINITAS -- A section of the Encinitas coastline between D and North El Portal streets that was closed because of a

fuel spill last week reopened Sunday, but beaches between Beacon's Beach and Grandview Street remained off-limits ...

ENCINITAS -- A section of the Encinitas coastline between D and North El Portal streets that was closed because of a fuel spill last week reopened Sunday, but beaches between Beacon's Beach and Grandview Street remained off-limits pending further testing, authorities said.

County Department of Environmental Health officials said the reopened area, which includes Moonlight Beach, is safe for swimmers and surfers. Areas to the north remain contaminated and will be re-evaluated today. Signs warning of contaminated water will remain in place until it is safe for recreational use, officials said.

The spill was reported Thursday, when 500 to 1,000 gallons of diesel-like fuel leaked into the ocean, possibly from a passing vessel.

An extensive cleanup launched Friday removed the majority of fuel. And although some of the slick's oily sheen and odor remained Sunday night, that residue should dissipate, Coast Guard Lt. Jereme Altendorf said.

Authorities are testing a number of suspect vessels and a probe into the source of the leak is ongoing. There have been no reports of affected wildlife or people, Altendorf said.

Officials will continue to monitor the area for several more days, the lieutenant said.

"We want to make sure it all goes away -- we don't want any surprises," he said.