County posts beach closure after sewage spill; Carmel officials say city was not notified and testing is ongoing

Monterey County Health Department posted signs closing about a mile-long stretch of beach on the National Marine Sanctuary after testing confirmed contamination following a sewage spill, city staff said.

City staff told the council the city does not own the sewage system and that the spill occurred in a force main — a pressurized sewer line — which staff said likely caused a concentrated release. Early reports described the amount of sewage as small but concentrated. Staff said county testing results came in late and that the county posted small closure signs. The transcript refers to testing being performed by "COD"; staff said the city was not informed by the county or by the sewer operator prior to the posting.

Staff said a round of additional testing has started and results were expected the next day; until results confirm no contamination, the county signs will remain in place and the public should avoid the beach. City staff said they plan to place larger, more visible sandwich-board signs near the posted area because the county signs are small.

No cause or final determination was recorded in the transcript. Staff said they are still determining when and how the spill happened and that they are working to get test results expedited. The transcript records frustration from a city official that communication among partner agencies could be improved before busy beach days.