Thousands of gallons of sewage foul section of Point Loma coast; Cabrillo tidepools closed

Update: Officials at the Cabrillo National Monument said on Thursday afternoon that the tidepools had been reopened — Ed.

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A sewage spill from the Point Loma wastewater treatment plant prompted the closure of a nearby beach and access to the tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument.

Approximately 5,875 gallons spilled and a water contact closure was issued due to bacteria levels exceeding health standards, according to the County of San Diego Beach Water Quality website. The open coast rocky embankment is not a recreational use beach, according to the website.

Water contact closures have also been issued for the following locations:

• Coronado Shoreline, ocean shoreline from Avenida Lunar to North Beach
• Silver Strand Shoreline, ocean shoreline from Carnation to Avenida Lunar
• Imperial Beach Shorelines, ocean shoreline from south end of Seacoast Drive to Carnation Avenue
• Tijuana Slough Shoreline, ocean shoreline from U.S./Mexico border, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Later in the day, officials from Cabrillo National Monument said in a news release that the Point Loma "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." Officials stressed that the visitor center, exhibits, lighthouse and trails at the park remain open.

A general rain advisory is currently in effect for all coastal waters due to the contamination by urban runoff following rain. Activities such as surfing, swimming and diving should be avoided for 72 hours following the rain.

More information on water contamination in San Diego County can be found at www.sdbeachinfo.com.