Coastal Erosion Leads to Concerns Over Sewage in Half Moon Bay

El Niño storms are pounding the coast with massive waves, eating away at the coastline. It is a scenario people in Half Moon Bay are seeing first hand.

Some residents worry the storms are starting to expose a sewer line that could spew sewage into the ocean.

In the last week, a part of Mirada Road has eroded about several feet and there is potential for even more erosion over the weekend. Homeowners are concerned because of a sewer line underneath the affected area.

"I'm losing a lot of sleep with this," resident Nani Venegas said.

A staircase and fence in the area has recently been swallowed up by the ocean. Homeowners worry the sewage line underneath Mirada Road could be the ocean's next victim, potentially spewing sewage back into the water.

"It could create an immense travesty in environmental pollution," Venegas said.

San Mateo County Public Works is filing emergency permits with the Coastal Commission to fix the road and add large boulders along the wall to stop the erosion from spreading.

All utilities with lines under the road are being asked to check them.

"To make sure they're aware of the situation and they can evaluate the location of their facilities," said Joe Lo Coco, San Mateo County deputy director of road services. "And then whether there are any protective steps they need to take."

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