Beach Bacteria Warning Extends For Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey

SANTA MONICA, CA — Los Angeles County Public Health officials again Monday extended an ocean water use warning for people planning to visit two Los Angeles beaches after a 17-million gallon sewage spill last month.

Health officials warned people to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers at the following beaches:

• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

Multiple beaches in the Santa Monica Bay were issued warnings following the spill July 11, including Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and San Pedro.

Rep. Ted Lieu, who represents communities impacted by the spill, last week called for an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"Given the severity of recent incidents, the subsequent and continued discharge of untreated and partially treated wastewater near highly trafficked beaches, and the lack of clear communication by the city of Los Angeles, an investigation into the facility's operations, response, and environmental impact is warranted," Lieu, D-Torrance, wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and NOAA Administrator Richard W. Spinard.

"As the city of Los Angeles discharged this wastewater and facility operators attempted repairs, key local first responders and nearby cities were not immediately informed of the discharge in the nearby ocean," he said, adding that it may have violated a 2007 California law he authored to improve reporting of sewage spills.

Visit the county's website to learn more about beach conditions or call 1-800- 525-5662.

SEE MORE:

• Driver Hits And Injures Woman, Child In Venice
• Video: Police Seek Suspect In Teen Jogger Attack
• The Heartbreaking Reality Of Venice's Homeless Crisis (Photos)