RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., March 26 (UPI) -- Three miles of beaches in Orange County, Calif., were closed as a result of a large sewage spill caused by a ruptured sewage main, officials said.
Orange County health officials said due to concerns about water quality levels, beaches stretching from Dana Point Harbor to Capistrano Bay Community Beach may remain closed down throughout the weekend, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
Officials said a sewage main ruptured Tuesday in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., resulting in the release of an estimated 500,000 gallons of raw sewage.
The sewage entered an area creek that empties into the ocean, putting area beaches and surf breaks in danger of possible contamination.
Santa Margarita Water District spokeswoman Michele Miller said workers are attempting to contain the spill and are attempting to replace the damaged pipe at the source of the spill.
The Times said Orange County also endured a major sewage spill in October 2008 when an apparent 591,000 gallons of sewage ran into the ocean, prompting similar beach closures.
