Nearly 5 million gallons of sewage spills into Mallard Creek

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nearly 5 million gallons of sewage has spilled into Mallard Creek in Charlotte.

Charlotte Stormwater official said the spill occurred when a tree broke a 36-inch underground pipe after storms Monday.

Water system officials said the spill flowed into Mallard Creek near the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Crews have controlled the leak but continue to make repairs.

Health officials said the spill does not pose any immediate threat to downstream drinking water or recreational waters.

Crews at a sewage treatment plant noticed a reduced flow of material into the plant Tuesday and traced the system upstream until they found the broken pipe.

"This was one of the largest ones with ever seen in this region," riverkeeper Sam Perkins said.

Charlotte Storm Water officials told Channel 9 that most of the spill is heading toward Iredell County.

The area is not popular for recreational activities so people are less likely to encounter it, they're still concerned about water quality.

Test samples from Wednesday show elevated bacteria. Charlotte Water notified residents downstream.

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Associated Press