Photo by South OC Beaches
The City of San Clemente has imposed a partial beach closure one-half mile north and one-half mile south of the San Clemente Municipal Pier due to a sewage spill today, Monday March 30 2015.
The spill included 5,200 gallons of raw sewage due to an electrical failure at the Main Pump Station that caused sewage to back up and spill at the base of the pier.
Sewer flow has been restored with temporary bypass pumps and at this time, City staff is evaluating steps for a permanent repair.
It is anticipated that the beach closure will remain in place until Wednesday, April 1st at 1 p.m.
Final water samples will be taken tomorrow and analyzed the morning of April 1st and if normal levels of micro- organisms are noted in the sample, the beach can then be reopened.
Until such time, beachgoers should avoid contact with ocean and bay waters in these areas.
The Orange County Environmental Health Division (OCEHD) has also issued an advisory notifying the public of the beach closure.
City of San Clemente lifeguards have posted the area with yellow and red closure notices to enforce the closure.
The City is also notifying the public by flying a red flag signifying “hazardous conditions” in the affected area, and via the recorded surf report and online surf report on the City’s web page at http://www.san-clemente.org until the area is cleared by OCEHD.
Lifeguards will advise staff when OCEHD has determined that the affected waters are in compliance with State standards.
For more information please link to City of San Clemente