BRUNSWICK COUNTY — County officials reported a sanitary sewer overflow on Friday after a mechanical failure released thousands of gallons of untreated wastewater near Ocean Isle Beach.
The discharge occurred on Jan. 9 at approximately 11:57 a.m. near 6576 Summerfield Place. According to Brunswick County Public Utilities officials, the overflow was caused by the failure of a force main isolation valve. Utility officials said approximately 4,444 gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged.
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Public utilities staff arrived on-site and began repairs at 12:15 p.m., completing the work by 1:10 p.m. the same afternoon. The spill reached a nearby tributary leading to Saw Pit Swamp.
Following the repair, crews completed remediation of the site and conducted downstream sampling to monitor environmental impact. Under North Carolina General Statutes, the county is required to issue a public notice when untreated wastewater reaches surface waters.
No action is required by the public at this time. County officials said additional updates will be provided if any further precautions become necessary.
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