Massive Sewage Spill of 30,000 Gallons Prompts Closure of Beaches Along Lunada Bay, Los Angeles

Following an alarming 30,000-gallon sewage leak, temporary beach closures were granted for each area around Lunada Bay in Los Angeles.

On Friday night, a significant sewage leak occurred close to the Lunada Bay beach area in Palos Verdes Estates.

Massive Sewage Spill up to 30,000 Gallons

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said that after over 30,000 gallons of raw sewage were spilled into the water, a public health alert was issued.

At first, there were restrictions in place for three to four miles on either side of Aqua Amarga Creek's entrance to Lunada Bay.

Health authorities revoked the warning a few hours after issuing it after discovering that the sewage had been absorbed by the dry stream bed, according to CBS News.

The restrictions have been lifted in the areas where Aqua Amarga Creek empties into Lunada Bay, 0.75 miles up the coast from that location, and 0.75 miles down the coast from that location.

In sewage spill regions, Public Health warned to avoid contacting wet sand and water.

Blocked Sewage System

According to authorities, a main line blockage at 6850 Faircove Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes is what led to the enormous leak.

Due to the obstruction, sewage began to flow into Windport Canyon Creek, Aqua Amarga Creek, and Lunada Bay before being blocked again.

Health authorities continue to urge the public to stay away from any contact with standing water in the Agua Amarga Creek along with Windport Canyon Creek beds on the Lunada Canyon Trail even if the ocean waters were unaffected, KTLA5 reports

On the website of the LA County Department of Public Health, a map of the impacted locations is presented along with details on the most recent closure.

Beach Closures in Effect

When there is a serious potential health concern, such as a sewage leak that has affected the ocean's waters, a beach closure is announced. When a beach is closed, getting into the water can make people sick, especially kids, the elderly, and those who are already prone to disease. Swimmers should avoid getting wet at the designated beach locations until the dangerous situation has passed.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach, 1/4 mile up the coast from Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and 1/4 mile down the coast from Malibu Lagoon State Beach restrictions are still in place, the LA County Department of Public Health stated.

When there is heavy rain that might raise the population of germs in the ocean's waters, a rain alert is issued. As toxins from the runoff enter the ocean during and after rainstorms, bacteria levels may drastically rise. Depending on the amount of runoff and the severity of the rain, bacteria levels may be high for up to 3 days. High bacteria concentrations in ocean water can make people sick, especially young children and the elderly.

After a big downpour, the Department of Public Health advises beachgoers to stay away from the ocean for three days, especially when it's close to running creeks, rivers, and storm drains.

As per the LA County Department of Public Health, there are no Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisories in effect.