Sewage spill closes part of Newport Harbor to swimmers

A portion of Newport Harbor between Pearson’s Port and the edge of the Bayshores Community Assn. docks is closed to swimming after raw sewage spilled into the waterway Monday night.

A sewer main blockage caused about 100 gallons of raw sewage to flow from a manhole near the Coast Highway bridge, the Orange County Health Care Agency said Tuesday.

The blockage was caused by a buildup of roots and grease in the main line, the city of Newport Beach reported.

Cleanup crews were able to capture 40 gallons of sewage, but 60 gallons entered the storm drain and flowed into the harbor, according to the Health Care Agency.

The earliest the area could reopen is Thursday.

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