Los Angeles beaches are facing a pollution crisis after a sewage spill has led to the closure of Will Rogers State Beach in both directions from Sunset Boulevard. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, an estimated 6,700 gallons of untreated sewage was released, prompting health officials to advise against ocean water contact and exposure to wet sand in the impacted areas.
The release, which was reported to the Public Health department by the Los Angeles City Sanitation Department, occurred on the 17300 block of Sunset Blvd. at the intersection of Paseo Miramar; caused by a root blockage, the discharge sent the raw sewage directly into a storm drain that feeds into the ocean at Sunset Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway, just where beachgoers typically soak up the sun and surf. In response, water sampling is set to begin on August 30th, which is today, and the ocean water closure will stay in effect until bacterial levels return to safe readings for two consecutive tests.
For those who frequent the sands near Will Rogers State Beach, the current advisory is clear—keep your distance from the water and any damp sand. The Department of Public Health remains vigilant, bound to ensure that the public's health is not at risk before lifting the restrictions currently thwarting regular beach activities.
Beachgoers seeking up-to-the-minute information on the condition of LA's coastlines can tap into the county's 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, which will provide recorded updates and most likely. More details, including a map of the affected areas, are available on the Public Health’s official website for those looking to stay informed.
