Massive Sewage Spill Closes Laguna Beach Coastline

A break in a main sewer line leads to a spill of nearly 95,000 gallons of sewage, causing health officials to close over two miles of Southern California coastline.

Nearly 95,000 gallons of sewage spilled in Laguna Beach on Wednesday, leading to the closure of more than 2 miles of Southern California coastline to swimmers and surfers.
The spill occurred following a break in a main sewer line at Bluebird Canyon and the Pacific Coast Highway.
The closure affects much of the coastline in the upscale beach city about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
The affected bay water area will remain closed to ocean water-contact sports until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.
Untreated sewage can expose swimmers to organisms that cause diseases. Bacteria, viruses and protozoa in the water will dissipate in the ocean waters over time because of dilution and predation by other organisms.