Point Loma Shoreline Closed Due to Sewage Spill From Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant – UPDATED

UPDATE: The closure is only of the western shore of Point Loma, which includes a portion of the coastline within the boundaries of Cabrillo National Monument. The closure is one quarter mile north and south of the spill site at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The public is encouraged to avoid contact with water along the shoreline in the area. Although the closure does not affect the park’s main tidepool area, park officials have closed access to the tidepool area as a cautionary measure.

For information about the shoreline closure, please contact the County Communications Office at communications@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-595-4633.

County officials placed the Point Loma shoreline under a water contact closure after approximately 5,875 gallons of gallons of sewage spilled from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The spill leaked into the ocean, according to the county’s Beach and Bay Water Quality Program.

The closure to the area surrounding the Point Loma plant was implemented on Tuesday after the spill.

Popular coastal areas like the Point Loma tide pools and the Point Loma Ecological Reserve are impacted by the closure.

No details about what caused the spill or how long the water contact closure may be in place were immediately available.

Beachgoers are urged to avoid coming into contact with the water in the area, as bacteria levels higher than health standards were detected.

This is all that the County’s page states:

Closure: Point Loma
Station: Point Loma Waste Water Treatment Plant (PL-050)
Status Since: February 20, 2024
Description: Sewage Spill at Point Loma Waste Water Treatment Plant. Approximately 5,875 gallons spilled and a water contact closure is issued. Avoid water contact in the closure area due to sewage impacts.
Bacteria levels exceed health standards. Avoid water contact in the closure area.

As we read this announcement, the immediate question is how much of the Point Loma shoreline is under this closure? Pt Loma has a lengthy shoreline. So, perhaps it’s just near the wastewater treatment plant itself.

The closure only affects the tidepool area. The parking lots, coastal trail, the visitor center, exhibits, lighthouse, and all other trails remain open.For more information about the sewage spill, please contact Arian Collins, the public utilities spokesperson for the City of San Diego at acollins@sandiego.gov or 619-533-4571.

For information about the shoreline closure, please contact the County Communications Office at communications@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-595-4633.

There is also a general health advisory for all of San Diego’s shorelines:

GENERAL RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT
The Department of Environmental Health and Quality has issued a GENERAL RAIN ADVISORY for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to contamination by urban runoff following rain. Swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided for 72 hours following rain.

The most recent rain event occurred February 21, 2024. The GENERAL RAIN ADVISORY for urban runoff contamination applies to beaches from San Onofre State Beach south to Border Field, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. While many coastal outlets are posted with permanent metal warning signs, additional temporary signs are not posted for General Advisories. Click this link for more information on when a General Advisory is issued.

The anticipated lift date, subject to change: February 24, 2024 ~ 9:00 am.*

*Due to the nature of the weather and ocean environment, the anticipated lift details are provided as estimated informational data, subject to change and not a guarantee of beach status.