Why It Matters
Long Beach, California, closed all open coastal swimming areas after a sewage spill near Livingston Drive and 2nd Street. The restriction covers beaches, bay swimming areas and lagoons until water quality meets state requirements.
What Happened
The spill began at about 6:30 p.m. Friday after a break in a force main. Long Beach Utilities rerouted sewage through a bypass line, while Ocean Blue assisted with cleanup and repairs continued on the damaged pipe.
Dr. Cliff Okada ordered the closure of Long Beach’s open coastal swimming areas. A city statement described the action as being taken “out of an abundance of caution.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also advised people to avoid ocean waters near Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach, Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey and the area near Santa Monica Pier. Warnings were lifted for Malibu Point, Surfrider Beach near Malibu Tower 3 and Avalon Beach west of the pier on Catalina Island.
By the Numbers
29,000 gallons — total sewage discharged near Livingston Drive and 2nd Street
15,000 gallons — sewage recovered
14,000 gallons — sewage discharged to the ocean
6:30 p.m. Friday — approximate start of the spill
Monday — start of water sampling
Zoom Out
The closure applies across Long Beach’s listed coastal swimming areas rather than to a single beach. Public health officials separately issued water-avoidance advice for several other Southern California locations and lifted warnings at three named sites.
What’s Next
Water sampling will begin Monday and continue as needed. Long Beach swimming areas will remain closed until recreational water quality satisfies state requirements, while repairs to the broken pipe proceed.