Local authorities report that a malfunction in sanitation equipment caused the spillage of around 250,000 gallons of sewage into the Los Angeles River on Thursday. The spillage occurred in the city of Downey, about 15 miles from Long Beach, and resulted in the closure of seven miles of public beaches.
Sewage also overflowed onto the streets, according to the agency. As per state law, the city of Long Beach has temporarily closed all coastal swimming areas until water quality meets state requirements. The city emphasized that pollution from the river can affect the coastal waters of Long Beach as the Los Angeles River flows into the Pacific Ocean.
Sanitation crews finished their first round of cleaning Friday, but it is unclear when the beaches will reopen. Health authorities with the city of Long Beach are “currently monitoring water quality” on the beaches.
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