Officials announced the temporary closure of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach coastal water areas due to a large sewage spill in Orange County.
The affected areas span from the Talbert Channel outfall at Huntington State Beach to the projection of Grant Street in Newport Beach, the O.C. Health Care Agency announced Saturday.
“The sewage spill of approximately 4,000 gallons was caused by a roots and grease blockage of a sewer line in Costa Mesa,” the HCA said in a release.
Officials said that response crews recovered about 3,000 gallons using vacuum trucks, while an estimated 1,000 gallons remain in the system.
O.C. Supervisor Katrina Foley issued a statement following the beach closures, saying that although the leak has since been resolved, sewage still entered the ocean at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, “resulting in closures of 2,000 feet north and south of the channel.”
According to the HCA, the affected ocean water area will remain closed to swimming, surfing and diving until the water quality meets acceptable standards.
“As a matter of public health and safety, I urge residents, visitors, and beachgoers to follow posted signage and avoid contact with ocean water in the affected areas where sewage was released as water quality is assessed,” said Foley. “My office continues to monitor and inquire about potential impacts to residents at the source, and will update as we learn more.”
For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay, or harbor postings and closures, you can call 714-433-6400 or visit www.OCBeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, call 714-433-6419.
