Skip to Content

More ocean sewage problems hit the coast leading to warnings for miles

MONTECITO, Calif. - Over the weekend you may have seen the big red signs on the entrance points to Montecito's Butterfly Beach with a Santa Barbara County Public Health Department warning. 

A “Beach Closure” for all recreational water contact was issued within one-quarter mile of the storm drain outfall.

Untreated sewage reached the ocean from a broken sewer main pipeline.  Repair crews were out over the weekend.

The Montecito Sanitary District made the notification and said 6,650 gallons of sewage was released before it was stopped. The affected area had sewage-contaminated water. If you come in contact, you could have rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea.

There's also been a sewer line issue in the Santa Clara River and that has led to beach closures south of Ventura Harbor down to Oxnard. The areas in that zone include Kidde Beach and Hollywood Beach.

The waters will be tested regularly to let the public know when it is all clear to get back in.   

Butterfly Beach is popular for walks, dog walks, ocean fitness swimming and paddle boarding. Some use it daily, even in the colder winter months.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today)


For more from John, follow him on Twitter below:

Article Topic Follows: Lifestyle
beach closure
butterfly beach
Hollywood Beach
KEYT
Kidde Beach
montecito
Montecito Sanitary District
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
Santa Clara River
untreated sewage
ventura county

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

John Palminteri

John Palminteri is senior reporter for KEYT News Channel 3-12. To learn more about John, click here.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content