A portion of La Jolla Shores was closed yesterday due to a sewage spill that released hundreds of gallons of waste into the ocean. Donna Durckel, a communications officer for the city's Land Use and Environment Group, indicated that the spill was approximately 850 gallons, with an estimated 550 gallons making it into the ocean through the storm drain after a sewer line blockage at 8556 El Paseo Grande, as reported by NBC San Diego.
Following the incident, beachgoers found themselves confronted with closure signs as the county's Beach and Bay Program responded by closing the water access 150 feet north and south of the spill area while retesting the area's water quality is underway to ensure safety. The closure duration is contingent upon daily test results to verify the bacteria levels return to a state deemed safe for public engagement; commuters and locals alike are expected to keep abreast of updates through the Beach and Bay Program's website.
As detailed in the spill aftermath by FOX5 San Diego, the initial beach closure has been uplifted, with only an advisory remaining. This suggests that water contact should still be avoided, even as bacteria levels have subsided enough not to warrant the continuation of the full beach closure.
