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Climate and Environment

4,000 gallon sewage spill shuts down portions of OC beaches

A sign on a beach reads: Keep our beach closed. In the background cranes from a port are visible.
Map shows location of beach closure that spans from the Talbert Channel at Huntington State Beach to Grant Street in Newport Beach due to a sewage spill.
(
Myung J. Chun
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)

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Topline:

Portions of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach have been closed since Saturday afternoon from a 4,000 gallon sewage spill.

Which parts: The affected area stretches from the Talbert Channel at Huntington State Beach to the Grant Street area in Newport Beach.

And that means: No swimming, surfing or diving until the water meets acceptable standards, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency

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What happened: Officials say the spill was caused by a sewer line in Costa Mesa being blocked by grease and tree roots. Workers from the Costa Mesa Sanitary District were able able to recover approximately 3,000 gallons of the spill after, and redirected the wastewater back into the district’s sewer collection system, according to officials.

What's next: Water quality needs to be tested to meet acceptable standards for swimming. After the spill, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley issued a statement saying, “my office continues to monitor and inquire about potential impacts to residents at the source, and will update as we learn more.”

For updates on the beach closures: Visit ocbeachinfo.com

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