Tar reports prompt island cleanup

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) - Clean up crews were all over the beaches of Dauphin Island on Saturday. Reports of tar came pouring in to the mayor's office.

"We had a number of reports of people coming into contact with tar balls along the middle and west end of the island," said Mayor Jeff Collier.

Mayor Collier said this was the first direct impact that has happened on Alabama's coast. He said crews cleaned the tar and advisories were put out.

"Some advisories have been put out for folks coming into contact but the main thing is they need to simply call and report it," said Collier.

Collier said there has been no mention of beach closings. He said the state health department and ADEM are closely monitoring air and water qualities and there have been no reports of abnormal levels.