Crews contain major sewage spill near Airport Boulevard in Raleigh; wastewater reached nearby creek

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh Water crews have contained a large sewer spill near the 2800 block of Airport Boulevard after a temporary pipe failure during a construction project Tuesday morning.

The incident began around 8:20 a.m. as part of a third-party project at the airport. Officials said about 1.1 million gallons of untreated wastewater were released.

Most of the wastewater was contained on-site. However, a portion reached a nearby creek after contractors mistakenly discharged wastewater into a storm drain during the initial response.

Raleigh Water crews assisted with repairs, which were completed Tuesday night. City teams remained on site Wednesday to continue cleanup efforts and support restoration of the affected creek.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has been notified of the spill. Raleigh Stormwater is investigating the discharge into the storm system.