The Region - News from Aug. 29, 1986

Santa Monica Beach was evacuated near the Pico Kenner storm drain because a petroleum substance was discovered leaking into the ocean, authorities said. Santa Monica police said the area south of the Santa Monica Pier to Bay Street was ordered cleared after lifeguards found the substance pouring from the drain at between 30 and 40 gallons per minute. The fluid appeared to be a pesticide, Kutzbach said, but county Department of Health Services officials were testing samples of the substance to determine its nature and whether it is harmful. City crews plugged the drain and began a cleanup operation, police said. Lifeguards said between 2,000 and 10,000 people were ordered to leave the beach.