Sewage Spill Closes All Long Beach Coastal Swimming Areas

LONG BEACH, CA — A 29,000-gallon sewage spill closed all six miles of open coastal beaches, bay swimming areas and lagoons in the city of Long Beach, authorities said Saturday.

The sewage was discharged about 6:30 p.m. Friday near Livingston Drive and Second Street, according to the Long Beach Utilities Department.

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The cause was believed a force main break in a pressurized pipe with wastewater, city health officials said. About 15,000 gallons of sewage were recovered, while the remaining 14,000 gallons were discharged into the ocean.

The widespread temporary closure was ordered by City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada until the recreational water quality meets state requirements, officials said.

Efforts were underway to fix the pipe and clean up the spill, officials said. With rain expected this weekend, water sampling was expected to begin Monday.