Crews continue search for beach contamination source

Eron Ben-Yehuda

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Sanitation workers are checking the last section of

sewer lines for cracks today to determine the source of contamination

that has led to closing most of Huntington State Beach.

“We have no idea what we’re going to find,” said Michelle Tuchman, a

spokeswoman for the Orange County Sanitation District.

The beach closure, in effect since early July when officials detected

high levels of bacteria in the water, expanded on Aug. 11 to cover one

and a half miles of the two-mile beach, said Larry Honeybourne, program

chief for the water quality section of the Orange County Health Care

Agency.

Health risks from swimming in the polluted water include nausea,

vomiting, diarrhea and sinus infections, he said. But nearby beaches,

such as Huntington City Beach, remain safe for water sports, he said.

Although swimming is prohibited at the closed portion of the state beach,

people can still play in the sand, ride the bike path and picnic by the

fire pits, Tuchman said. However, officials would prefer beach goers went

elsewhere until sanitation workers find and fix the source of

contamination.

“We’re not encouraging visitors because there’s a lot of work going on

there,” Tuchman said.

Workers have narrowed their inspection of underground lines to a 265-foot

section by Newland Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Tuchman said. All

other sewer pipes in the area have been tested already, she said.

Tuchman said she understands the frustration felt by ocean enthusiasts

eager to jump back in the waters of the popular beach.

“Our guys are working as quickly and safely as they possibly can,” she

said.