Big Sewage Spill = Stinky Mess

Crews worked through the night to contain a sewage spill in Carlsbad after a pipe burst sending thousands of gallons of raw sewage spilling into the streets, threatening the beach.

The pipe burst around 11 a.m. Thursday at Avenida Encinas, near Palomar Airport Road at a Carlsbad wastewater plant.

β€œWhen I came down the road they had it completely blocked off. When I walked back here I saw a 20-foot river across the road of water,” said Nick Stefan, who works nearby. β€œThe whole place kind of stunk so we opened the doors.”

Avenida Encinas remained closed Friday in front of the plant, located between Palomar Airport rd. and Poinsettia Lane.

Sewage service in the area was not affected, but Residents of Carlsbad, Encinitas and Vista were asked to reduce their water use while crews worked to fix the pipe.

Workers completed the installation of temporary bypass lines at 12:45 a.m., a spokesperson said. The lines reroute sewage from manholes in the street into the treatment plant.

Excavation of the damaged pipeline started Friday, with repairs continuing through the weekend.

As a precaution, a portion of Carlsbad State Beach was closed until the water is deemed safe.

It is unclear how much, if any of the sewage reached the ocean. Bacteria tests are being conducted and results should be available possibly later Friday.

The cause of the break is under investigation.

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