A greasy situation has led to the temporary closure of some Long Beach swimming areas, officials announced. Dr. Anissa Davis, Long Beach City Health Officer, had to call a halt on the fun in the surf west of Belmont Shore following a sizable sewage spill in the City of San Gabriel. In line with state law, beaches must be closed when contaminated until the water is safe once again, according to city officials.
Early reports indicate about 15,000 gallons of sewage accidentally flowed into Rubio Wash due to a grease blockage, a problem more than 25 miles upriver from Long Beach. The city officials received the report from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, soon mandating the beach closures as the sewage is expected to reach the coast via the Los Angeles River. Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, revealed that monitoring of the affected beaches has ramped up in response to the incident.
A rain advisory had already been issued by Dr. Davis, recommending beachgoers to stay out of the water for at least three days after any significant rainfall. This new advisement, triggered by the spill, takes the precaution one step further by making the beach closures compulsory. Signs posted along the waterfront are now informing the public of this mandatory action, and those seeking more information are encouraged to tap into the resources made available by the city via their water hotline and website.
