During a recent routine inspection of city infrastructure utilizing closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment, an approximate two-foot section of sewer pipe in the Ponto area was discovered to be comprised. While there is no leakage detected at this time, under severe rain or other conditions, the integrity of the pipe could be in jeopardy. To expedite repairs, a local emergency has been declared by the Carlsbad City Manager. 

“This is an example of why we invest in regular inspections and ongoing maintenance throughout the City of Carlsbad,” said City Manager, Geoff Patnoe. “As infrastructure ages, unforeseen repair needs could arise from time to time. However, our commitment to the community is that when these unforeseen incidents occur, we will coordinate our resources to address repairs as quickly as possible.”  

Due to the proactive nature of the detection, there is currently no impact to sewer or water services, and no leaking sewage. Rather than wait months to navigate the normal process, the city is declaring a local emergency to streamline contracting and permitting processes given the potential emergency condition that could occur should there be a pipe failure.  

The pipe, known as the North Batiquitos Interceptor Sewer, and the repair area are located near the intersection of Poinsettia Lane and Avenida Encinas in a rail corridor area, inside a protected habitat that includes sensitive species. As a result, the city is working closely with partner agencies and environmental specialists to ensure all work is completed safely and with minimal impact to the surrounding area.  

Repair work in the area is anticipated to begin in the coming week and will take approximately two weeks to complete. The work will include temporarily rerouting sewer flows, removing and replacing the damaged pipe segment, and restoring the site once repairs are complete.  

More information and updates will be shared on the city’s website.  

Carlsbad’s emergency declaration goes into effect immediately and will be in place until the May 12, 2026, City Council meeting, when the City Council will consider whether to ratify it. If ratified, the emergency declaration would then need to be reviewed by the City Council every regularly scheduled meeting until the emergency has ended. 

View the Declaration of Local Emergency

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