OCEANSIDE, Calif. (AP) — The city of Oceanside could face fines of up to $10 million for a huge sewage spill.
The North County Times says nearly 5 ½ million gallons of sewage flowed into Buena Vista Creek last December from a broken pipe.
The San Diego Regional Water Control Board is trying to determine whether the city was at fault. The head of that investigation, Christopher Means, says it will take at least two months.
If it's found at fault, the city could face fines of up to $2 per gallon of sewage spilled. However, Means says it's unlikely that a big fine will be imposed.
The city's Water Utilities Department Director, Cari Dale, says the money would be better spent on replacing worn pipelines to prevent more spills.
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Information from: North County Times
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
