Swimming areas west of the Belmont Pier in Long Beach were reopened Tuesday, two days after a sewage spill fouled the ocean water.
"According to a report received from the Los Angeles County Health Department ... 9,000 gallons of sewage was discharged into the Los Angeles River from a sewage line controlled by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works," according to a statement released by the city of Long Beach.
The spill occurred about 1 p.m. Sunday in the city of Commerce, about 17 miles from Long Beach, the city reported.
"The total spill was estimated at 9,500 gallons ... 9,000 gallons (of which) entered the storm drain and flowed into the Los Angeles River," according to the city's statement.
Water testing was conducted until results complied with state water quality standards. The closures affected "water contact" in the swimming areas of the beaches.
On Tuesday, Long Beach health officials announced that lab results showed bacteria levels in the water to be within state safety levels, so the beach closures were lifted.
