An estimated 22,000 gallons of sewage spilled near the Carlsbad State Beach Campground Friday morning, County of San Diego officials said.
The sewage spill was the result of a ruptured sewage force main located in the 6500 block of Ponto Drive.
County officials say the rupture caused the release of untreated sewage to spill into the area at around 5:35 a.m.
The spill lasted 20 minutes, ending around 5:55 a.m., when crews from Leucadia Waste Water District were able to shut off the force main pump.
Officials say all 22,000 gallons of sewage flowed into an adjacent storm drain. Crews recovered around 3,100 gallons of it.
The storm drain runs north, parallel to the train tracks for about one mile, before discharging into a marsh and then the ocean.
The drain outfall is located approximately 1,500 feet north of the Carlsbad State Beach Campground.
Officials posted signs warning of sewage contamination around the storm drain. A water contact closure was issued for Carlsbad State Beach from 1,000 to 2,000 feet north of the Campground.
The signs will remain posted until samples can confirm that the water in the area is safe again for recreational use. Until then, locals are urged to stay out of the water.
For more updates on beach closure information, visit this website or call (619) 338-2073.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego