4,000-Gallon Sewage Spill Closes Beaches in Orange County

A 4,000-gallon sewage spill caused by a roots and grease blockage in a Costa Mesa sewer line has led to the closure of coastal waters in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, spanning from the Talbert Channel outfall to the projection of Grant Street. Response crews have recovered about 3,000 gallons, but an estimated 1,000 gallons remain in the system, prompting health officials to close the area to swimming, surfing, and diving until water quality is deemed safe. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley urged residents and visitors to heed posted signage and avoid contact with affected waters while monitoring continues. The leak, now resolved, resulted in the release of sewage at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, with closures extending 2,000 feet north and south of the channel. For updates or to report spills, residents are directed to OCBeachinfo.com or the county health agency's hotline. The closures will remain until follow-up testing confirms acceptable water quality standards.