A sewage pipe that broke about 11:42 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, released more than 4,000 gallons of waste into the environment around Tourmaline Surfing Park. The sewage spill occurred near Van Nuys Canyon, a press release stated. City crews arrived shortly after the spill was spotted, according to Brian Drummy, senior public information officer with the Metro Wastewater Department. Workers were able to vacuum a majority of the waste, he said. “We have these large trucks that are called vectors. They are able to vacuum it up,” Drummy said. While workers cleaned 4,280 gallons, about 200 gallons flowed into the water, Drummy said. “It went into a storm drain, which went into the ocean,” Drummy said. County health officials posted signs warning the public to avoid waters around Tourmaline Surfing Park until tests by Department of Environmental Health officials show that bacteria levels in the water are below the danger level, a press release stated. For more information on beach closures, visit www.earth 911.org/waterquality.