Long Beach health officials on Thursday reopened the final section of open coastal beaches that were initially closed more than two weeks ago, when a large sewage spill 33 miles upstream from the city caused high bacteria levels.

Officials opened beaches west of Fifth Place after lab results on Wednesday indicated bacteria levels in the area were within state standards, according to a press release. Previously, only beaches east of Molino Avenue were opened. 

The closure of the city’s coastal beaches was prompted on Tuesday, September 15 by a 250,000-gallon sewage spill in the City of San Gabriel.

The sewage flowed down the Los Angeles River to West Long Beach but did not affect inner bay beaches, according to the city’s Environmental Health Bureau Manager Nelson Kerr.

The city’s health department will continue its weekly beach water monitoring program, the release stated. 

For the latest status on Long Beach recreational beach water quality, call the Water Hotline at 562.570.4199 or click here.