A section of the beach near Big Rock Drive in eastern Malibu has been closed due to an apparent sewage spill, according to the Department of Public Health.
A beach closure affects the area near 19830 Pacific Coast Highway as of Tuesday, June 18. The beach is closed 50 yards up and down the coast of this address at least until Thursday at 5 p.m., county officials said, “pending test results that measure the bacteria level in the ocean water.”
Water samples will be taken Wednesday and Thursday.
“We are asking people to avoid entering or swimming in the ocean in the area immediately surrounding 19830 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and County Health Officer. “Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of the people who visit the beach and water areas. Once we determine bacteria levels in the water have returned to normal, we will remove the beach advisory.”
The LA County of Department Health’s website says “a beach is closed anytime there is a known sewage or chemical spill impacting ocean waters. Water contact may cause someone to become ill.”