For the second time in little more than a year, the Town of Chapin lost about 2,000 gallons of sewage at a spot near Lake Murray.

The overflow occurred April 8 near Murray Lindler Road, emanating from the same line that spilled roughly the same amount when a main busted in that spot on March 29, 2022.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control told the Chronicle that the estimated 2,000 gallons lost went into the lake.

Nicholle Burroughs, Chapin’s town administrator, said the “minor overflow” occurred due to the area receiving “a significant amount of rain ... in a relatively short amount of time.”

“The Town of Chapin had after hours employees on call and prepared in the event of any issues. Our team arrived within 10 minutes of notification,” she said in a statement. “The Town of Chapin Utility Department followed all the necessary protocols and DHEC regulations to mitigate any impacts. This particular event was related to a pump station and not associated with the force main on Murray Lindler Road. The Town of Chapin is committed to caring for the health and safety of our citizens and protecting the environment and our natural resources.”

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed to the Chronicle that it was the same line that leaked sewage last year. The line is one of the original lines in the town system, Burroughs told the Chronicle last year.

At the time of the 2022 leak, Burroughs said it was hard to estimate how many of the 2,000 gallons made their way into Lake Murray, sharing a town estimate that 77% of that spill was recovered.

The recent leak was active for about three hours, according to DHEC.

“Cleanup has occurred, and the line has been repaired. DHEC is discussing preventative measures with the town,” Laura Renwick, senior public information officer for the department, said.

Facebook user Jessica Malovic posted about the overflow in the group What’s Happening in Chapin.

“We have called the Town of Chapin, South Carolina twice to let them know,” she posted April 8 along with a photo she said depicted the leak. “They let us know they were aware and would let DHEC know, but this has been going on for 4 hours now.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.