5 million gallons of sewage spill into ocean, closing Long Beach, San Pedro beaches
LOS ANGELES - Beaches in Long Beach and San Pedro were closed indefinitely Monday, after millions of gallons of sewage were spilled into the ocean.
The sewage discharge happened around 6 a.m., officials said, spewing five million gallons into the water. Much of the sewage entered the Dominguez Channel, leading to Cabrillo Beach, as well as the Port of Long Beach, the Compton Creed and the Los Angeles River.
But that wasn't the only sewage spill Monday morning. Another 40,000 gallons of sewage were spilled in the City of Commerce, which also flows into the LA River.
The spill forced the closure of Cabrillo Beach and all beaches in Long Beach.
Officials were able to stop the sewage flow and are investigating the circumstances of the discharge.
SUGGESTED:
- California storm: LA Mayor issues local state of emergency as atmospheric river pounds region
- See rain totals in Los Angeles so far
- At least two LA River rescues reported amid powerful storm
- California storm update: Newsom declares state of emergency
The beaches are closed to swimmers and surfers until bacteria levels return to normal.
A warning was already in place advising people to avoid ocean water due to the accumulating bacteria from the atmospheric river battering the region.
For the latest on beach closures, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach/.