October 26, 2009

Despite a recent sewage spill into the Long Beach Harbor area last Saturday evening, some two dozen fishermen and women lined up along the rail at the Belmont Shore Pier tonight with anticipation and baited hooks in the water.

An estimated 400 to 1,400 gallons of sewage leaked from a sewer transfer pipe into a storm drainage system and inevitably was introduced into open harbor water near Shoreline Village during the evening of October 24th.  As a precaution and to protect the health conditions of citizens, Long Beach City Health Department officials announced the closure of the beach area from 3rd Place southward to the Belmont Pier.

Several different fishermen at the pier tonite did not feel the water quality was suspect whatsoever, and fished confidently for a catch.

“I need to eat,” commented one fisherman, who requested to remain anonymous.  ”This economy sucks, so bad water or not, I need to eat.”

Another fisherman who also requested to remain anonymous brought his wife and two daughters with him.  ”Beautiful night for fishing,” he told me.  ”No cold, just right.”

Neither gentlemen seemed to care when I reminded them about the recent spillage incident.

“Look,” pointed the second man to the water.  ”Even seal likes the water!”  Several seals trolled about the pier looking for scraps of baitfish from above.

>> UPDATE: Officials have lifted this beach closure today, more details can be found here! <<

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