Published 1/12/2010 on Press-Telegram
LONG BEACH - A sewage spill has forced the closure of Colorado Lagoon, city officials said Tuesday afternoon.
City Health Officer Helene Calvet, M.D., issued the beach closure order for the lagoon after a sewage spill Tuesday morning near 3rd Street and Granada Avenue.
The spill, which entered into the storm system and eventually reached Colorado Lagoon, was reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at about 8:40 a.m. and was estimated at 876 gallons.
The cause of the spill is still under investigation by Long Beach Water Department. By Tuesday afternoon the sewage discharge had been contained and crews were working to remove the blockage, officials said.
A decision on the duration of the beach closure and postings will be based on water test results. The Health Department will be conducting daily bacterial testing of these areas until bacteria levels are demonstrated to be within State standards.
All water contact activity will be prohibited in this area until bacteria levels are safe for swimming as determined by the city health officer.
Further information about the water quality in Long Beach may be obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services Water Quality Information Line, 562-570-4199, or from the Department's Web site at www.longbeach.gov/health.
