Seahurst Park's north beach was closed for almost 48 hours last week after a leak in a nearby sewage line was discovered.

The leak was discovered by a citizen who smelled "sewage-like" odors and contacted the Burien Parks and Recreation Department around 5 p.m. June 20.

City officials alerted the Southwest Suburban Sewer District (SWSSD), which responded promptly. A SWSSD crew found sewage leaking from a line near the Marine Technology Center in the park.

Following a preliminary determination that a break had occurred in the main collector line, workers pumped the line to make the necessary repairs.

They subsequently determined that a blockage in the sewer line caused an overflow from a manhole, and that no break had occurred.

In the meantime, appropriate federal, state and local regulatory agencies were notified.

Effluent surfaced and contaminated part of the north beach area, which remained closed while work on the line and cleanup were conducted.

Minor repairs were made to the manhole access area and the line flowed smoothly after it was reopened. Personnel and equipment from adjacent sewer districts assisted SWSSD in the repair and cleanup.

The north beach in Seahurst Park was reopened during the afternoon June 22 after health officials determined there no longer was a risk to the public.