North County

In an effort to minimize the potential for a mosquito breeding ground and subsequent chances of malaria, the sand bar that separates the San Elijo Lagoon from the ocean will be permanently removed to circulate the stagnant water, the County Department of Health reported.

The lagoon and 100 yards on each side of it will be closed to the public until the quality of the water can be determined, department spokesman Lyn Wallis said.

The decision to open the lagoon, between Cardiff by the Sea and Solana Beach, to the ocean was made in conjunction with the County Department of Parks and Recreation and may also benefit birds in the area, Wallis said.

“(It could) provide an increased number of nesting sites for birds using the lagoon area because the water level will be lowered, giving the vegetation more of a chance,” he said.

This particular time was chosen because of “minimal tide changes” which will help flush out the lagoon, department officials said.