SANTA MONICA, CA – Los Angeles County public health officials again on Monday extended a seawater use warning to people planning to visit two Los Angeles beaches after 17 million gallons of sewage leaked last month.
Health officials warned people not to swim, surf, and play in seawater to empty gullies, creeks, and rivers on the following beaches:
- Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
- Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica
Several beaches in Santa Monica Bay were warned after the July 11 oil spill, including Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and San Pedro.
Rep. Ted Lieu, who represents communities affected by the oil spill, last week called for an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Given the severity of recent incidents, the subsequent and continued discharge of untreated and partially purified wastewater near high-traffic beaches, and the lack of clear communication from the City of Los Angeles, an investigation into the operation, response and environmental impact of the facility is warranted “Justified,” wrote Lieu, D-Torrance, in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and NOAA Administrator Richard W. Spinard.
“When the City of Los Angeles drained this sewage and the facility operators tried to make repairs, key local first responders and nearby cities were not immediately notified of the discharge into the nearby ocean,” he said, adding that it may be against California law from 2007 created in order to improve the reporting of wastewater leakage.
Visit the county website to learn more about beach conditions or call 1-800-525-5662.
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