Pipeline Backs Up, Sewage Spews Out
San Diego County health workers Monday cordoned off about 300 feet of shoreline at the foot of Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach after a clogged pipeline released about 1,000 gallons of sewage into the sea.
County health officials said the spill, which took place at 8:35 a.m., occurred when the pipe became clogged with sludge, backing up the flow and releasing it out a manhole.
John Melbourne, public health engineer, said health workers believed either grease or sand jammed the pipe. The sewage apparently spread into the ocean.
The spill was controlled about 9:30 a.m., as workers dammed up the flow, Melbourne said.
“If there’s no total discharge, we should have it removed by Wednesday morning,” he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
