1,000-Gallon Sewage Spill Closes Parts Of Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —A mile-long stretch of beach in Newport Beach, at Corona Del Mar bend, was closed Tuesday due to a sewage spill.

The estimated 1,000-gallon spill was caused by an "operator error" during routine maintenance of a sewer main line, according to a city spokesperson.

The beach was closed between Bayside Drive Beach and China Cove, according to a statement Monday evening from the OC Health Care Agency.

The affected bay water area will remain closed until results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards, the agency said.

Elsewhere, a rain advisory is in effect for all beaches in the Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar area, according to Orange County Health Care Agency.

The Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.

Beachgoers can expect elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff.

Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, according to the agency. Beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.