Over 1 million gallons of untreated wastewater leak into Durham County creek

Durham County discharged more than 1 million gallons of untreated wastewater from the wastewater collection system on Alexis Drive.

The leak was discovered on June 13, but staff believe it had been leaking into Stirrup Iron Creek for about a week.

Officials said Wednesday night that the cause of the discharge was from a crushed clay pipe that was about 50 years old.

The failed section of the pipe was fully repaired and back in service Wednesday night.

County officials said they continue to mitigate the potential harm to aquatic life from the incident. Operations to monitor the area and take additional necessary actions are expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours.

There is no evidence that drinking water, business or residences have been impacted by the discharge, city officials said.