An estimated 900,000 gallons of sewage have spilled at Los Coches Creek in unincorporated El Cajon, County of San Diego spokesman Alex Bell said.
The spill, identified Friday, happened near East Sierra Alta Way, near Interstate 8 in East County.
The sewage spilled into the creek after an exposed underground sewage pipe suffered significant damage during a series of winter storms in late February, according to the County.
“Water just pulled it apart and lifted it up," Gareth Walker, who lives near the creek, told NBC 7. “You could see some sewage coming through."
The damaged pipe was found Friday morning by County of San Diego Public Works crews during routine infrastructure inspection.
Crews managed to control the spills the same day by 1 p.m.
Authorities are collecting water samples from Los Coches Creek to evaluate and determine the extent of the damage.
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A water contact closure has been issued for Los Coches Creek until water samples confirm the water is no longer impacted from the spill.
“Hopefully the rains are over and its not going to be a problem anymore," Walker added.
For updates on beach closure information please visit the Beach Water Quality Mobile Web Application by clicking here, or call the County's 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073.
