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Cleanup continues after separate spills in two eastern North Carolina waterways

File: manhole.
Joe Schlabotnik on Flickr
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via Creative Commons
File: manhole.

More than 35,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into Mill Creek early Monday morning following a city pump malfunction. Jacksonville officials state the wastewater overflow began around 2:30 a.m. near Dewitt Street. Crews successfully halted the spill five and a half hours later by repairing the primary pump's relay system.

Emergency crews have treated the site with chlorine and lime. Officials will monitor water quality until bacteria counts return to safe levels. The city emphasizes that drinking water remains completely unaffected and there is no danger to the public.

The Town of Beaufort is reporting a major wastewater spill after an equipment failure over the weekend. Officials say approximately 30,000 gallons of untreated sewage discharged from the treatment facility on Freedom Park Road into Turner’s Creek. The spill lasted for about 30 minutes and was caused by a sudden electrical component failure.

Crews have since completed repairs to replace the failed parts and prevent further leaks.

Annette is an award-winning journalist based in Eastern North Carolina. Her career includes professional stops across the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southeast, recently culminating in a 2026 Region 8 Edward R. Murrow Award for Small Market Radio Best News Series for her work on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Series. Guided by a passion for human-interest storytelling, she focuses on narratives that touch hearts and connect communities. A mother of four and grandmother of two, Annette enjoys reading and creating epic Halloween costumes in her spare time. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.