(05/11/06) DEAL ? Officials in Deal closed the area?s beaches Thursday after 30,000 gallons of sewage leaked into the Atlantic Ocean.

Workers at the sewage plant aren?t exactly sure why a valve malfunctioned and leaked the sewage into Poplar Creek, which feeds into the ocean. It?s possible the malfunction was caused by debris lodged in the valve. No matter what the cause, the spill will prevent residents from enjoying the beaches for a short time.

Although 30,000 gallons sound like a large amount of sewage, the ocean waters will soon dilute the spillage to safe levels. In addition, the process may be helped by heavy rains predicted to fall on New Jersey.