Sewage sent into Lake Tahoe after line break. Beach closed but no threat to public: ‘It just smells bad’

Sewage overflowed into Lake Tahoe after a private contractor working in Carnelian Bay hit the sewer export pipeline Thursday night.

Crews from the North Tahoe Public Utility District have repaired the pipeline after it was breached around 8 p.m., but the area around Carnelian West Beach was closed until further notice after sewage overflowed into a parking lot and into the lake, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Department and county health officials.

“All local and water quality agencies have been notified and the NTPUD is working with authorities to sample and test the water quality,” said the utility in a news statement.

The department also reassured residents there was no risk to the area’s drinking water system.

Justin Broglio, a spokesman for the utility, said the closure of the beach, parking lot and bathroom was expected to last 24 hours. The surrounding businesses, including the pier and Highway 28 remain open.

“We’re asking the public to avoid the area while we clean it up. There’s no public danger in the air quality or anything else, it just smells bad,” said Broglio.

County health officials also issued a health advisory for elevated bacteria levels near the spill. They advised residents to stay out of the lake and shoreline “northeast from Carnelian West Beach to Manzanita Avenue and southwest to 4600 North Lake Boulevard.”

Officials will also be monitoring the conditions, the county said. “Initial water quality test results are expected within the next 24 hours. Placer County and the NTPUD will provide updates on the advisory and closure areas as test results are evaluated.”