UPDATE: The ring and cover of the manhole had been removed, and the manhole was filled with debris, causing the sewage spill, said Karen Shields, spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources.

It is not known who or how many people committed the vandalism, but whoever did would be subject to a fine of at least $1,000, more than 60 days in jail or both, Shields said.

ORIGINAL STORY: Nearly 4,500 gallons of sewage spilled onto a Sugar Hill road Monday night, the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources said. The department determined the cause was vandalism.

Officials said 4,472 gallons of sewage spilled from a manhole at 4685 Pine Isle Way. The Department of Water Resources was notified at 5:27 p.m. and the spill was stopped at 6:40 p.m.

Some of the sewage entered Level Creek, according to a department spokesperson. DWS workers raked the area and spread lime to minimize the effects of the spill.

Besides attributing the spill to vandalism, the Department of Water Resources did not specify what the vandalism was.

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