Camp Pendleton sewage spill finally discovered

CAMP PENDLETON – A sewage spill that went undetected for nearly three years likely sent in excess of 807,000 gallons of waste onto property in the northwestern reaches of Camp Pendleton before being discovered two weeks ago, the Marine Corps disclosed today.

Base officials reported no health problems or risks resulting from the protracted leak of contamination, which emanated from a pipeline connecting to restrooms at a training pool near currently dry Cristianitos Creek.

Authorities believe the problem began in the summer of 2013, during a repair project at the facility, according to a public statement from Marine Corps Installations West. The sewage discharge apparently mixed with a similar volume of chlorinated water drainage, according to the announcement.

The spill came to light during an inspection of another sanitation line in the area and was halted late last month, officials said. The contaminated discharge evidently did not reach nearby natural waterways, make its way off Camp Pendleton property or create any ongoing health threats on or off the military base, authorities said.

The mishap remains under investigation, and all necessary notifications have been made to the appropriate regulatory agencies, according to the USMC statement.