Paleontology in Action: Whale Fossil Find in Irvine Landfill Expansion

An expanding landfill project has resulted in increasing the fossil record of Orange County.

Paleontologists mitigating the OC Waste and Recycling expansion discovered more than 20 large pieces of fossil, including teeth weighing over a pound, flipper bones, jaw and skull portions all from a sperm whale that date back 10 to 12 million years ago.

“Orange County is blessed with a wide variety of fossil whales, ranging in age from 25 million years old to the modern ones offshore today," said Jere Lipps, Cooper Center director.

According to Lipps, the history of whales is well preserved in Orange County.

"The Southern California ocean has always been a good place for whales to live," said Lipps. "The fossils we are looking at today show that the largest toothed whales also lived in Orange County waters in the past--as they do today."

The on-site paleontology contractor, Melissa Macias, of the engineering firm Psomas, spotted the fossils as the construction crew was moving soil in preparation for development of a new waste disposal area.

As soon as the fossils were noticed, the area became a paleontology excavation site for the next four days.

“Finding a high number of associated teeth is rare,” Macias said. “This find adds to our current understanding of the time period.”

Macias has overseen the preparation of the fossils for transfer to the Cooper Center. First, applying plaster casts to specimens to remove them from the dirt. Secondly, the painstaking task of removing rock and exposing bone using dental picks and brushes. Third, glue is used to stabilize the bones inside of the casting, along with piecing together fragments of jaw and skull bones when possible.

This discovery is rare and significant due to the age, elevation of the finding, and the fact that this fossil includes skull material with associated teeth.

The joint project dedicated to preserving history was discussed by Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer.

“It’s amazing to think about the history of these fossils that would have never been uncovered if not for the expansion projects at Bowerman landfill,” he said. “Thanks to the great partnership between OC Parks and Cal State Fullerton the fossils will be ready for public display at our landfill for children and the public to learn from and enjoy.”

After the Cooper Center paleontologists complete their research, the fossils will be available to the general public for viewing. Some will be at the landfill; other locations will be announced.

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