Community Corner
Tide Of Medical Waste In Venice Beach Remains A Mystery
Lifeguards continue to monitor the Venice shoreline for hypodermic needles and other waste as authorities attempt to track its source.
#DriftIC This area will continue to be monitored for the safety of public use until the investigation and cleanup are complete. pic.twitter.com/0RYU5b4Z7l
— LACoFD Lifeguards (@LACoLifeguards) November 10, 2019
VENICE, CA — Authorities are investigating the cause of the horrific scene Sunday when medical waste washed up on the beach near the Venice pier, leaving a trail of hypodermic needles.
Los Angeles County lifeguards continued to monitor the scene, scouring for additional waste in the area south of the pier, authorities said Monday.
It's not the first time this has happened at a Los Angeles Beach. In 2015, a problem at the Hyperion Treatment Plant led to the release of medical waste and excessive levels of bacteria, forcing the closure of Dockweiler State Beach and affecting Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey and Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades.
Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sunday's sickening discovery was made about 11:30 a.m. Sunday and lifeguards cordoned off the area for about four hours, officials said.
The waste included needles and lancets, officials said.
Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The source is unknown and under investigation," lifeguards said on Twitter. "LACoLifeguards will continue to patrol the area by land and sea to monitor for any further materials."
City News Service contributed to this report.
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