Health Advisory -- avoid ocean water in Portuguese Bend Beach

 

For Immediate Release:

January 15, 2008                                                      

 

HEALTH ADVISORY:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Advises Public to Avoid the Ocean water near Rancho Palos Verdes

Swimmers and Surfers Are Advised to Avoid Ocean Water Near Palos Verdes

Due to Sewage Discharge

 

LOS ANGELES – The Department of Public Health has posted warning signs advising beach visitors, swimmers, and surfers to avoid the ocean water 100 yards near the intersection of Pepper Tree and Palos Verdes Drive.  LA County health officials were notified today and have determined discharge has entered a section of Portuguese Bend Beach.  The advisory is posted as a precautionary measure.

 

The advisory will be in effect until at least Saturday, January 17, 2008 pending test results that measure bacteria level in the ocean water.  Water samples were taken this morning.

 

“We are asking people to avoid entering or swimming in the ocean in the area immediately surrounding Rancho Palos Verdes,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and County Health Officer. “Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of the people who visit the beach and water areas.  Once we determine bacterial levels in the water have returned to normal, we will remove the beach advisory.”

 

Public Health was notified by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District regarding the discharge today.  It was determined the discharge had reached the ocean. The LA County Sanitation District is involved with the clean-up.

 

Recorded information on beach conditions is available around the clock on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Ocean Quality Hotline at 1-800-525-5662 and online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.

 

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

 

 

# # #