Del Mar waters reopen after sewage spill

By Claire Harlin

Staff Writer

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) officially opened Del Mar beaches around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, following a Sept. 23 spill that caused approximately 1,000 gallons of sewage to flow into the Pacific Ocean.

DEH officials took water samples for testing on Saturday and Sunday, and results from both tests came back clean a day later for all samples, said Del Mar Public Works Director Eric Minicilli.

The sewage spill, which was caused by a sewage line blockage, occurred at 8th Street in Del Mar. City staff members notice the spill around 3 p.m. and were able to stop it approximately two hours later on Friday. None of the spill was recovered.

Signs placed along the beach on Friday warning of contamination were removed by city staff on Monday.