California’s Famed Laguna Beach Closes Coastline After Nearly 100K Gallons of Sewage Spills

A segment of the Southern California coastline has been shut down due to a sewage spill.

According to Supervisor Katrina Foley, officials in Laguna Beach closed the area from Laguna Avenue to Blue Lagoon after approximately 94,500 gallons of sewage spilled into the ocean this week, caused by a main sewer line rupture during routine maintenance.

Despite repairs being completed by Wednesday morning, the Orange County Health Care Agency followed through with the water closure, per KABC.

The swimming restrictions span nearly 2.5 miles and will last until water monitoring attains acceptable standards.

The closure is meant to prevent swimmers' exposure to harmful bacteria in sewage-contaminated water.

"They're going to take about two days to do testing, so at a minimum, (the closure) will be two days," Foley said, per KABC.

She added: "But we don't want anyone going into the water because obviously, if sewage is in the water, it's not safe for your health, and it could include a lot of bacteria that could cause you to get sick."

On social media, Foley said the closures affect the North end of Hotel Laguna, Cleo Street Beach, Bluebird Canyon, Pearl Street Beach, Victoria Beach, and Blue Lagoon Beach.

"I strongly urge Laguna Beach residents, visitors, and tourists to heed the warnings of public health experts and avoid the beach," she wrote.

Additionally, there are concerns for marine life following the spill, with sick birds reportedly being observed in Newport Beach, KABC reported.