Up to 10,000 gallons of sewage spilled into ocean in Malibu

Los Angeles County health officials have issued an ocean water closure in Malibu after about 1,000 to 10,000 gallons of untreated sewage was released into the ocean.

The water closure impacts Encinal Canyon to 31250 Broad Beach Road in Malibu. Residents are advised to avoid contact with the ocean and wet sand.

Officials say the sewage discharge happened on Thursday. Cal OES was notified of the spill at 10:42 a.m., and it was stopped around 11:20 a.m.

“The Department of Public Health will conduct water sampling, and the closures will remain in effect until Public Health receives two sampling results indicating that bacterial levels meet health standards,” a news release said.

A water closure has also remained in place from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach due to fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water that may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.

An ocean water advisory also remains in effect for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way due to fire debris runoff.

According to officials, the closures and advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Residents can get more information on beach conditions by calling the county’s beach hotline at 800-525-5662 or by visiting the county’s Environmental Health website.