Dockweiler State Beach was closed recently after a handful of hazardous wastes was washed ashore.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Dockweiler State Beach still remained closed Thursday when medical wastes such as hypodermic needles, tampon applicators and even condoms were found on the beach between Ballona Creek and Grand Avenue.
As a precaution, warning signs were posted after the water sample results showed bacteria levels that exceeded state standards.
However, county spokeswoman Tonya Durell told reporters that the waste was not toxic and goes on to say that it "does not pose a threat to the public."
As reported by CBS News, health officials gathered at least 200 pounds of waste from the beaches, Durell said. According to reports, the waste materials were believed to be from the city-owned Hyperion Treatment Plant.
Although the mile-long pipeline has been dormant, it was brought back online last week as a heavy storm strained the regular five-mile pipeline.
Durell further said, "It may have been sitting there, and as a result, the heavy rain storm and first flush of all of that may have pushed that matter out into the bay."
As reported by ABC 7, the Hyperion Treatment Plant will only be using smaller pipes as the larger pipe is being repaired. Los Angeles Sanitation crew said that plans are in place if another rainstorm does come; however, environmentalists said that their last plant did not work very well.
Heal The Bay data analyst Leslie Griffin said that, "When there are very large rainfall events, they can get such a large influx of water into Hyperion that it basically pushes over where it would normally be captured and so some of those items can make it through the treatment system."
However, health officials still urge beach visitors and area residents to avoid the water, sand and any items washed ashore for the mean time.
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