Southern California health officials closed beaches from Orange to Los Angeles counties over the weekend after a sewage spill leaked untreated wastewater into the ocean.
Beaches were temporarily closed pending water quality tests after as much as seven million gallons of sewage made its way into the Pacific Ocean. The spill happened after a section of the Los Angeles County-run sewage system “collapsed,” according to NBC News.
“We will be working with health officials over the coming days to monitor water quality to determine when beaches are safe to reopen and assess environmental impacts,” said the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. “Our top priority is the health and safety of the impacted communities, and we will continue our efforts until all health and environmental issues are addressed.”
The incident first happened on December 30 after a sewer collapsed in the city of Carson after storms dumped heavy rain in the area. Officials said there is no immediate health threat to the public. Residents were advised to avoid ocean water that may have been affected by the spill.
Beaches affected include Cabrillo Beach. White Point Park Beach, Seal Beach, Point Fermin Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes Beach, and Royal Palm State Beach. They will reopen once bacterial levels are not hazardous.
