Failure of Pump Sends Sewage Into Mission Bay

A failed pump caused a sewage overflow that entered a storm drain and emptied into Mission Bay on Saturday afternoon, a health department spokesman said.

The spill, which occurred at East Mission Bay Drive and Rosewood Avenue about 2 p.m., prompted authorities to post signs restricting water activities near De Anza Cove, said Mike Handman with the Department of Health Services.

Before the pump could be repaired about 90 minutes later, authorities estimate that 1,800 gallons of sewage emptied into De Anza Cove. Health officials will lift restrictions when the spillage area is considered free of contaminants.