Over 1.1M gallons of sewage spill in Raleigh; crews urge avoiding nearby waterways

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh utility crews are on the scene of a massive sewer spill Wednesday, with more than 1.1 million gallons of wastewater believed to have been released.

According to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), the spill originated in the 2800 block of John Brantley Boulevard. Officials say the incident is being attributed to human error.

Authorities say a contractor was working on a sewer pipe when a temporary bypass pipe carrying sewage flow broke, leading to the discharge.

The exact amount spilled is still under investigation, but early estimates put the total at more than 1.1 million gallons.

Crews are currently working behind Auction Direct on Glenwood Avenue, where cleanup efforts are underway and the situation is being assessed.

Eyewitness News is working to learn more details, including whether any waterways were impacted and how long cleanup efforts may take.

NC DEQ recommend avoiding Brier Creek and Lake Crabtree downstream for the time being.