PLACER COUNTY, Calif. — Carnelian West Beach is now open after a health advisory was lifted Wednesday following a sewage spill nearly two weeks ago.
Placer County said in a news release bacteria levels returned to a normal range.
On July 18, the North Tahoe Public Utility District said around 8 p.m. a contractor working in Carnelian Bay hit the utility district's main sewer export pipeline. Carnelian Bay is located on the shore of Lake Tahoe in Placer County, northwest of Tahoe City.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office said sewage from the pipeline overflowed into the parking lot and reached the lake. According to the North Tahoe Public Utility District, about 85,000 gallons flowed through the nearby parking lot and into Lake Tahoe. About 125,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled and 40,000 gallons were collected and the site and put back in the system. Crews from the utility district repaired the pipeline.
Placer County issued a health advisory, which has since been lifted, and said bacteria levels in the area may be high and contact with water could cause illness.
The utility district said it worked with authorities to sample and test the water quality. There was no risk to the public drinking water system, according to the utility district.
As of 5 p.m. July 31, the shoreline health advisory zone and beach closure were lifted. Find more information HERE.
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