Log Hydrocarbon Reading
Volunteer
Help us monitor the LA coastline! Volunteers assist with sample collection, data recording, and beach cleanup efforts.
To join a field team, contact your local coastal monitoring coordinator or email volunteer@beachtracker.org.
Once approved, you will receive access to submit readings through this tracker.
About
The Beach Hydrocarbon Tracker monitors Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) contamination levels across LA's west-side beaches.
Field teams collect sand, water, and tar ball samples at regular intervals. Readings are graded A through D: A Clean (0-10 ppm), B Mostly Clean (10-25), C Fair (25-50), D Needs Attention (>50).
This tool helps environmental teams identify contamination trends, track cleanup progress, and prioritize response efforts along the coast.
Data Sources & Methodology
Beach grades are produced from field samples logged by volunteers and partner labs. The PAH Research Atlas layer overlays a separate, peer-reviewed monitoring dataset — the Global PAH Water Contamination Atlas (1945–present) — sourced from public agency repositories.