Section of Newport Bay remains closed after restaurant sewage spill Sunday

A water closure in Newport Bay following a sewage spill caused by a blocked sewer line at a local restaurant Sunday was downgraded Wednesday.

The closures now are limited to about 1,000 feet in front of the dock area in front of 2607 West Coast Highway. Previous closures extended from the west end of Newport Bay to 8th Street. An estimated 5,000 gallons were spilled.

At first, officials reported the spill amounted to about 35,000 to 50,000 gallons. That estimate was lowered due to water use information provided by the city, according to Newport Beach spokesman John Pope.

Newport Beach city officials said they were notified of the incident by the Orange County Health Care Agency at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, after which city utility crews shut off the water, sandbagged the storm drains and began vacuuming the immediate area.

Utilities then notified the harbor department, which assisted the county in putting up notices of closure of the waters.

“These private sewer restaurant backups do happen from time to time, just like at homes,” said Pope, adding that the city has a restaurant inspection program to annually inspect grease interceptors and offer other best practices. “However, it is not common and there is a heightened awareness and recognition that a sewer spill can immediately harm the harbor.”

County health officials could not say when the water quality will meet acceptable standards to reopen the affected area, but they advise residents and visitors to avoid going into the water until further notice. More information can be found at ocbeachinfo.com.

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