Marines discover sewage release on Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON — Due to a construction error aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, as much as 250,000 gallons of sewage may have been released into a storm water drainage system that eventually empties near the Santa Margarita River.

Two of four restrooms in a newly renovated aircraft hangar were improperly connected to both a sewage discharge pipe and a storm water drain line during a refurbishment project completed during November by a civilian contractor.

According to estimates based on the hangar’s occupancy, approximately 250,000 gallons of domestic wastewater were produced by the two improperly connected restrooms since mid-November. It is uncertain how many gallons were released to the storm water line versus the sewage pipe.

The construction error was discovered after Marines requested the repair of one of the hangar’s toilets and the investigation of a foul-smelling storm drain March 27. Camp Pendleton maintenance personnel immediately investigated the complaints and discovered the construction error. Additional research on March 28 found that a recent blockage in the sewage pipe caused a stoppage, which sent the sewage flow into the storm drain line.

Air station personnel are closely monitoring this incident and are taking its potential impact on the environment seriously. Upon the first discovery, both improperly connected restrooms were immediately closed and all potential sewage release from the hangar was stopped. The storm water drainage system has been cleaned and repairs to the restroom piping are underway. All pipes in the hangar are being thoroughly investigated to ensure all additional connections are correct.