July 26, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Nonprofit Warns of Heavy Metal Contamination in Santa Monica Bay

The contamination is linked to storm runoff carrying toxic debris from burned structures and scorched land in the Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu

Marine life in Santa Monica Bay faces significant risks from heavy metals that leached into the water following January’s Palisades wildfires, according to new water-quality testing results released by environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay.

Testing conducted at 10 sites across the bay found elevated levels of beryllium, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, silver, arsenic, and zinc, among other contaminants. Heal the Bay scientists warn that these metals, even in low concentrations, can disrupt biological processes, damage cells, and harm reproductive and immune functions in marine species. Additionally, pollutants can accumulate through the food chain, posing potential risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood.

While initial fears of immediate human health risks from runoff pollution were eased by the findings, Heal the Bay remains cautious. “We cannot definitively say that the water is safe until we have additional data and risk-thresholds for recreational contact,” the organization stated. 

The contamination is linked to storm runoff carrying toxic debris from burned structures and scorched land in the Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. Waves lapping against fire-damaged buildings along Pacific Coast Highway continue to introduce harmful metals into the ocean.

Heal the Bay is urging authorities to accelerate the removal of fire-related debris along the shoreline. Delays have persisted, with 45 homeowners opting out of federal cleanup programs and nearly 100 failing to respond. “Every day that hazardous debris remains along the coast, more harmful contaminants flow into the sea,” said Tracy Quinn, Heal the Bay’s president and CEO.

Areas showing the highest levels of contamination include Topanga Beach, Malibu’s Big Rock section, and Will Rogers State Beach. However, Santa Monica Pier and Dockweiler State Beach also showed increased heavy metal levels, indicating a need for further investigation into contaminant movement offshore.

Though current conditions remain uncertain, Heal the Bay recommends that beachgoers avoid fire-impacted areas, including those south of Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, until more comprehensive testing is completed.

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

LAPD to Conduct DUI Checkpoints Across City This Weekend

July 26, 2025

July 26, 2025

LAPD officials said checkpoint locations are chosen based on areas with high numbers of DUI-related crashes and arrests The Los...

Metro D Line Resumes Today After 70-Day Closure

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The shutdown, which began May 17, enabled Metro to connect the current line to newly built tunnels extending west under...

Measles Case Confirmed in LA, Officials Urge Vaccination

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Investigators are working to identify potential exposures and assess the risk to others Health officials have confirmed a case of...

Los Angeles Marks Milestone in Youth Sports Enrollment

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

A program has surpassed one million enrollments, providing low-cost and, in some cases, free access to youth and adaptive sports ...

Herbie Hancock to Headline Hollywood Bowl in August

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Known for his decades-spanning career, Hancock is one of jazz’s forward-thinking voices Jazz legend Herbie Hancock is set to return...

LAHSA Appoints New Interim CEO Amid System Transitions

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The agency is navigating uncertainty following the county’s decision to create a separate homelessness department and shifting federal policy priorities...

Premiere of ‘All These Women’ Coming to Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Set in 1913, the play dramatizes the uphill struggle for the right to vote as women across the United States...

Sunset Jazz & Pizza Series Returns to The Lobster

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The series blends jazz from a three-piece house band with handcrafted pizzas and $5 Open Brewing beers  The Lobster’s popular...

Santa Monica City Attorney to Step Down, Take New Public Role in California

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

City Council will discuss hiring a replacement at its July 29 meeting Santa Monica City Attorney Doug Sloan has announced...

In Your Time of Need, Woodlawn Cemetery is Available

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

By Susan Payne  For over 125 years, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary, wholly owned and operated by the city of...

Going for the throat

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Coach Bill Schuman expects protégé Golda Zahra to hold back nothing  By Linda Chase World famous competitors hire special coaches...

California Reports 13% Drop in Vehicle Thefts in 2024, First Decline Since 2019

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Southern California accounted for 53.21% of thefts, with Los Angeles County alone representing 61.83% of the region’s total California reported...

LAPD Pacific Boosters’ West LA Summer Carnival Takes Place This Weekend

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The carnival will feature amusement rides for all ages, arcade-style games, and traditional fair food The LAPD Pacific Area Boosters...

(Video) Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

For More Information, Go To Wiseandhealthyaging.org/ Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center. For More...

Film Review: I Know What You Did Last Summer

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

“This movie will probably become part of pop culture, even if not a critical success. Neither was the 1997 film,...