Sewage Spill Closes Camp Del Mar Beach

A sewage spill caused by a traffic collision sent 10,000 gallons into the Santa Margarita River Sunday morning, according San Diego County health officials. A water-contact closure has been issued for Camp Del Mar Beach for at least two days.

A vehicle travelling on Vandegrift Avenue near Stuart Mesa Road crashed into a truck that was working on a pressurized sewage line around 4:40 a.m., said Brian Shin, an environmental engineer for Camp Pendleton. The crash damaged a sewer main that feeds a nearby treatment plant and caused the spill, according to the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.

Sewage spilled into the river for more than four hours before crews were able to stop the release at 9:10 a.m., according to the Department of Environmental Health.

Officials estimated that 18,000 gallons of sewage spilled, and crews were able to recover 8,000 gallons.

Signs warning of contamination have been posted at Camp Del Mar Beach north and south of the river outlet, according to county health officials. The beach will remain closed to water contact for at least two days, Shin said. The beach will re-open after samples indicate the water is safe for two consecutive days.

A 24-hour hotline is available for current beach closures in San Diego County: (619) 338-2073.