Sewage Spill Closure Widens at Local Beaches

 All Long Beach recreational beaches on Alamitos Bay have been closed in the wake of a Sunday sewage spill fron a private property, after testing Tuesday indicated unhealthful levels of bacteria, the city announced.

"Due to bacteriological test results analyzed Tuesday morning, it appears the spill has impacted other areas of Alamitos Bay, necessitating the closure of all recreational beaches in the Alamitos Bay," read a media alert from the Long Beach city health department. "Out of an abundance of caution, the beaches will remain closed to water contact until testing confirms that the results are within State standards.

"The spill was originally reported on Sunday afternoon, due to a failure of a private sump pump. The City will be aggressively pursuing actions to identify any and all contributing factors of the spill, and considering the necessary and appropriate enforcement actions against the private property owner to prevent a future occurrence."

According to Nelson Kerr, Bureau Manager for the Long Beach Dept. of Health and Human Services,"the sewage spill was from a private sewage system located on Bixby Terrace Drive, which overflowed. The location is just north of 7th Street, and adjacent to the Cerritos Channel, which leads to the Alamitos Bay."

When asked where exactly the spill came from, a business or residence, Kerr said: "It is my understanding that the spill emanated from a private sewage system which serves multiple residences."

 Ocean-facing beaches such as those on the peninsula's wooden boardwalk, and along Ocean Boulevard, remain open, city oficials said.

In addition, Seal Beach oceanfront, from the San Gabriel River several hundred feet away, was closed Tuesday by Orange County officials, presumably triggered by the same spill.