Ocean waters off Aliso Beach are open again following a five-day closure in response to about 470,000 gallons of spilled sewage draining into Aliso Creek, with some reaching ocean waters.
Officials with the Orange County Environmental Health Division said Monday, Jan. 20, the last of the closed waters off the Laguna Beach shoreling reopened on Sunday, when bacterial testing confirmed there was no longer a swimming, snorkeling or surfing hazard. Initially, the shoreline had been closed from Treasure Island to Table Rock Beach.
The Moulton Niguel Water District told city officials last week that approximately 600,000 gallons had spilled and 130,000 gallons were recovered before reaching the Sulphur Creek and Aliso Creek confluence, said Mayor Alex Rounaghi. About 1 million gallons of creek water were removed by the district to try and capture the sewage that spilled from a broken sewer main that has since been repaired.
Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond said previously the county health care agency typically requires two days of bacterial samples to be clear before the ocean waters are reopened.
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