Officials have closed a section of Thalia Beach in Laguna Beach, California, to ocean water contact due to a 2,000-gallon sewage spill. The closure, enacted on Thursday, affects the coastal area extending a quarter-mile upcoast and a quarter-mile downcoast of Anita Street.
The spill originated from a malfunctioning sewer line pump, according to Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. The Orange County Health Care Agency stated that the closure will remain in effect for a minimum of three days, or until water quality monitoring confirms that acceptable standards have been met.
The public has been advised to avoid swimming, surfing, and diving in the affected area until further notice. The Orange County Environmental Health department is assessing water quality to determine the full extent of necessary closures throughout the holiday weekend.