Goleta Beach was closed today under orders from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department due to a sewage spill.
Reportedly 800 gallons of sewage was spilled at the west end of the Goleta Beach parking lot. The spill did not happen in the ocean, but rather on the sand, says Michele Mickiewicz, public information officer. But this still caused concern in the Public Health Department, because the tide caused sewage to seep into Goleta Beach.
Signs are posted around the area, warning of sewage contamination and health hazards. However, officials have sampled the area and tested to see if it is clean. Results will not be in until later today, according to Mickiewicz, and if the sampling is clear, then Goleta Beach will be opened tomorrow to the public.
Harvesting shellfish will not be available to the public for 10 days because of the risk of contamination and disease.