Measure W would generate at least $5 million for Long Beach’s clean water programs, officials say

At least 9,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the Los Angeles River over the weekend prompted Long Beach to warn people to stay out of the ocean. After learning of the spill Monday, Long Beach health officials closed the water at all of its beaches and swimming areas west of the Belmont Pier, according to a bulletin from the city. The spill happened in the City of Commerce around 1 p.m. Sunday, according to Nelson Kerr, the city's Environmental Health Bureau manager. "There was a main sewage line up in the city of Commerce that was blocked by tree roots and that caused the sewage to back up though a manhole cover in the middle of the street," Kerr said. Even thought that happened 17 miles away from Long Beach, the sewage poured into a storm drain that eventually emptied into the Los Angles River. Kerr said 9,000 gallons is relatively small for a sewage spill, but health officials prefer to exercise caution with anything approaching 10,000 gallons, so authorities opted to close the broad swath of Long Beach shoreline. The water could reopen as soon as tomorrow afternoon, but, Kerr cautioned, "That's the best case." If testing finds evidence of contamination, the areas will stay closed until they meet state water-quality standards, he said.

While some homeowners may wince at yet another tax, the measure would bring a significant source of funding for cash-strapped clean water programs in Long Beach.

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