Spill of Raw Sewage Forces Beach Closure
More than two miles of beach has been closed after a pipeline pump failed, spilling 100,000 gallons of raw sewage into the ocean, a city official said Thursday.
The accident happened Tuesday night when a large pump forcing sewage to a city treatment plant stopped, said Jay Elston, a San Clemente utility supervisor.
Elston said the county’s Health Care Agency, which monitors spills, was notified immediately and signs warning the public not to enter the water were posted.
Sewage entered the ocean from a large storm drain at Boca La Playa beach near Avenida Pico and North El Camino Real, Elston said.
The posted warnings are a precaution, a county health spokesman said.
Elston said the beach will possibly remain closed through Saturday.--DAVID REYES
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.
