Los Angeles County health officials Thursday continued the closure of a portion of Avalon Beach on Catalina Island due to a sewage spill that contaminated ocean water and sand in the area.
The closure affects an area extending 50 yards upstream and downstream from the discharge point, where approximately 300 gallons of sewage were released, according to the county Department of Public Health.
Officials warned residents and visitors to avoid contact with ocean water and wet sand in the affected area.
The closure will remain in place until water quality tests show bacteria levels meet state standards, which will require two consecutive acceptable samples, health officials said.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information can be found at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.