Aquarium of the Pacific Archives • Page 6 of 10 • the Hi-lo

At least 9,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the Los Angeles River over the weekend prompted Long Beach to warn people to stay out of the ocean. After learning of the spill Monday, Long Beach health officials closed the water at all of its beaches and swimming areas west of the Belmont Pier, according to a bulletin from the city. The spill happened in the City of Commerce around 1 p.m. Sunday, according to Nelson Kerr, the city's Environmental Health Bureau manager. "There was a main sewage line up in the city of Commerce that was blocked by tree roots and that caused the sewage to back up though a manhole cover in the middle of the street," Kerr said. Even thought that happened 17 miles away from Long Beach, the sewage poured into a storm drain that eventually emptied into the Los Angles River. Kerr said 9,000 gallons is relatively small for a sewage spill, but health officials prefer to exercise caution with anything approaching 10,000 gallons, so authorities opted to close the broad swath of Long Beach shoreline. The water could reopen as soon as tomorrow afternoon, but, Kerr cautioned, "That's the best case." If testing finds evidence of contamination, the areas will stay closed until they meet state water-quality standards, he said.

5 things to do with the family to stay cool this weekend as Long Beach sizzles

by Valerie Osier July 6, 2018

The Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates 20 years of nationally-recognized work in ocean conservation, animal care

by Asia Morris June 19, 2018

Aquarium’s Winter Camps Offer Kids and Teens a Chance to Get Up Close with Marine Life

by Asia Morris December 15, 2017

Aquarium Releases Sea Turtle Back into the Wild After Rehabilitation

by Asia Morris December 9, 2017

Aquarium Awarded Funding for New Ocean Farming Public Education Initiative Through its Seafood for the Future Program

by Asia Morris December 7, 2017

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Aquarium of the Pacific’s Oldest Penguin Dead at 24

by Asia Morris November 29, 2017

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Immerse Yourself in CITY OF FISH, an Installation Made Entirely out of Recycled Material

by Asia Morris November 10, 2017

Long Beach Aquarium Joins Major Movement to Address, Prevent Plastic Pollution

by Asia Morris July 11, 2017

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Aquarium Receives LA County Arts Commission Grant for Upcoming Mural Project

by Asia Morris May 9, 2017

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Aquarium Staff, Patrons Celebrate Charlie the Sea Otter’s 20th Birthday

by Asia Morris March 3, 2017