64,000-Gallon Sewage Spill Shutters Marina del Rey, Venice Beaches

MARINA DEL REY, CA — A 64,000-gallon sewage spill in Marina del Rey prompted Los Angeles County public health officials to close nearby beaches Wednesday.

The spill was caused by a blocked main line that led sewage to enter the storm drain system at the corner of Admiralty Way and Palawan Way, the L.A. Public Health Department said. Officials said the blockage has been since cleared and the immediate area was cleaned.

County officials closed Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey, Venice City Beach half a mile north of the marina entrance and Dockweiler State Beach half a mile south of Ballona Creek. The beaches will remain closed until water samples indicate that bacterial levels meet health standards, authorities said.

Public Health officials advised residents and visitors to avoid contact with ocean water and wet sand at the beaches to avoid harm.

"Water contact may cause someone to become ill," the department said.

There was no estimated timeline available for when residents should expect to see the beaches opened again, but a recent sewage spill of about 10,000 to 15,000 gallons in Malaga Creek in Palos Verdes Estates closed nearby beaches for three weeks in September 2022.

How long the beaches are closed will depend on the results of the daily water sample tests according to the health department. Beach closure signs will be posted until water conditions are found to be safe.