Raw Sewage Spill Prompts Miles-Long LA County Beach Closure

PLAYA DEL REY, CA — A raw sewage spill befouled the Los Angeles County coastline Thursday, prompting health officials to shut down two miles of coastline.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ordered a beach and ocean water closure for miles of coastline including the Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey areas, Dockweiler State Beach from Ballona Creek to one mile South, and Venice Beach from Ballona Creek to one mile North.

An estimated 14,400 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into Ballona Creek sometime between Wednesday and midday Thursday and was carried out into the ocean, according to health officials. They have not publicly identified the cause of the spill.

Public Health officials are advising residents or visitors planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to avoid contact with ocean water and wet sand in the impacted areas.

The Department of Public Health will conduct water sampling beginning Friday. The closures will remain in effect until Public Health receives two sampling results indicating that bacterial levels meet health standards.