SEATTLE PLANT FAILURE UNLEASHES RAW SEWAGE

Millions of gallons of raw sewage and untreated run-off have poured into the United States’ second-largest estuary since a massive sewage treatment plant experienced equipment failures that forced it to stop fully treating Seattle’s waste.

The county-run facility has been hobbling along at about half-capacity since a Feb. 9 electrical failure resulted in catastrophic flooding that damaged an underground network of pumps, motors, electric panels and other gear.

The sewage treatment plant — Washington state’s largest — is likely to face fines for violating federal clean-water laws.