Los Angeles Beach Closed after Waste Washes Ashore

“Public Health officials are advising residents to avoid contact with ocean water, wet sand, and any materials washed up on shore in the area”, according to a statement from the health department. Just south of Dockweiler, El Segundo Beach was closed Thursday after the waste began washing up there.

The department released a written statement that reads in part: “Beaches and harbors reported tampon applicators and hypodermic needles on the beach between Culver Boulevard and Napoleon Street”.

“As of Thursday morning, the debris level has decreased significantly, and cres from LA Sanitation’s Watershed Protection Division, along with Clean Harbors, remain on site and will do so until the beach is clear for public enjoyment”. She also said the waste didn’t pose any threat to the public. Officials believe it was discharged from a pipeline belonging to the city-owned Hyperion Treatment Plant.

Heal the Bay spokesperson James Alamillo said he suspects the waste may be related to recent rainfall.

Environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay also is monitoring the beach.

The Hyperion plant is designed to capture solid waste and the pipelines are supposed to discharge only treated wastewater.