Beach Closure Lifted for Miramar and Fernald Point Beaches After Sewage Spill

Update by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
February 2, 2023

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has lifted the water contact closure for Miramar Beach and Fernald Point Beach. Recent ocean water quality testing conducted by the Department’s Environmental Health Services Division has confirmed the ocean water is now safe for recreational use in this area following recent sewage impacts.

The County of Santa Barbara implements a variety of programs to protect public health and enhance environmental quality of County watersheds and beaches. Working to improve water quality by reducing or treating sources of pollution is a multi-faceted task.

To find out what is being done to improve water quality and how you can help, visit www.sbprojectcleanwater.org.

By the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
January 18, 2023

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a “BEACH CLOSED” notice [Tuesday] in response to a spill of untreated sewage.

The spill involved a release of approximately 5,760 gallons of sewage from a compromised sewage line to San Ysidro Creek, on East Valley Lane in Montecito. As a result, Miramar Beach and Fernald Point Beach within 2,000 feet of the San Ysidro Creek outfall, adjacent to Posilipo Lane, has been closed to recreational water contact. The affected area has been posted with signs warning the public to avoid contact with the water until sample results indicate the water is safe for recreational use. Contact with sewage contaminated water increases the risk for certain types of illnesses.

In addition, with the recent rainfall, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services wants to remind residents about potential health risks associated with storm water runoff at countywide beaches. Storm water is untreated rain water that flows through the drain system into creeks, the ocean, and other waterways. Contact with storm water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unlike the municipal sewer system, water carried by a storm drain system is not treated. To minimize potential health risks, it is recommended that people do not swim, play or surf in the ocean and creeks for at least three days following a rain event. Beachgoers should also avoid areas near the outfall from drainpipes and creeks that enter the ocean following a rain event as storm water runoff may carry high levels of bacteria and pollutants.

To find out what is being done to improve water quality and how you can help, visit www.sbprojectcleanwater.org.