Sewage Contaminated Runoff Again Closes IB Shoreline

An influx of sewage-fouled runoff from the Tijuana River prompted authorities to issue a pollution warning Thursday along a several-mile stretch of ocean coastline from the U.S.-Mexico line to the northern reaches of Imperial Beach, according to the county Department of Environmental Health.

Observations today indicate northward moving ocean currents and contamination of ocean water in Imperial Beach is suspected," said Ewan Moffat, director of the agency's water quality division in a statement.

The contamination has been pushed into the ocean and the river continues to flow due to recent rain, the agency said.

Closures triggered by rain and a closed the IB shoreline until about midday Tuesday.

Bright yellow signs warning of pollution hazards will stand along the affected section of shoreline until follow-up testing deems the area safe again for recreational uses.

City News Service contributed to this report.