Sewage leak prompts closure of 2 beaches, health advisory in North Lake Tahoe

CARNELIAN BAY – Part of the North Lake Tahoe shoreline in Carnelian Bay is closed due to a sewage spill caused by damage to a main pipeline, officials say. 

The incident started around 8 p.m. Thursday. According to the North Tahoe Public Utility District, a main sewer export pipeline was damaged by a contractor near Dollar Hill and Carnelian Woods.

Due to the leak, the Placer County Sheriff's Office had to close off part of Highway 28 between Carnelian Woods Avenue and Old Country Road.

Utility crews worked into the morning hours to repair the pipeline. However, the sheriff's office says the broken pipe did overflow into the parking lot – with some of the leaked material reaching the lake.

Early Friday afternoon, Placer County officials issued a health advisory due to the sewage spill. People visiting Lake Tahoe are being warned that bacteria levels could be elevated along the shoreline from northeast of Carnelian West Beach down to Manzanita Avenue, and southwest to 4600 North Lake Boulevard. 

Both Patton and Carnelian West beaches have been closed until further notice, officials say. 

Advisory notices are being posted and property owners are also being notified. 

Placer County officials noted that the spill doesn't pose a risk to the drinking water system. 

Results from initial water quality tests are expected by Saturday, officials say. It's unclear how long the beach closures will be in place. 

In:
• Placer County