Health

Beach in Carlsbad Closed After Sewage Spill

Contamination warning signs are up along a stretch of beach in Carlsbad after an estimated 22,000-gallon sewage spill Friday morning.

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Contamination warning signs are up along a stretch of beach in Carlsbad after an estimated 22,000-gallon sewage spill Friday morning.

A sewer main ruptured in the 6500 block of Ponto Drive, causing the release of untreated sewage. The spill went on for about 20 minutes before crews from the Leucadia Waste Water District shut down the force main pump.

All 22,000 gallons of sewage flowed into an adjacent storm drain, of which approximately 3,100 gallons was recovered. The storm drain runs north parallel to the train tracks for approximately a mile before discharging to a marsh and then the ocean.

Warning signs are posted 500 feet north and south of the storm drain outfall to the ocean, which is located approximately 1,500 feet north of the Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Signs will remain in place until samples confirm that water is safe for recreational use.