LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a serious raw sewage spill at the Clark County Detention Center that impacted jail operations for several hours and posed a health and safety issue for staff and inmates.
The plumbing problem sprang up over the weekend according to the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, which represents some of the employees at the jail.
"One officer that I spoke with said it was really, really disgusting, the smell and the odors," said Scott Nicholas, vice-president of the LVPPA.
13 Investigates has obtained photos which show several areas of the jail were affected by the spill including, inmate booking, property room, employee break room and pre-trial services.
Insiders say the spill prevented eligible inmates from bailing out of jail for at least 10 hours, Sunday.
"They're walking through it, and I've been there and I've done it and I've experienced it and it's pretty disgusting," said Nicholas.
Nicholas said past plumbing problems at the jail stemmed from inmates that would flush clothing, garbage or other items.
"There's been a problem here at the county jail," said Connie Wicker who was visiting an inmate.
"I've been coming here for 25 years and there's always been a problem with the sewer, the kitchen or the food," added Wicker.
Wicker said she is concerned for staff and the inmates at the detention center.
"There was a MRSA outbreak a couple of years ago, there was a pneumonia outbreak and that's my concern is that my ex doesn't catch pneumonia.
Insiders tell 13 Investigates staff used mops, buckets, towels and blankets to clean up the mess and a professional disinfecting team was brought in on Monday.
The Southern Nevada Health District sent inspectors to the facility on Tuesday.
A spokesperson said the complaint has been verified and the detention center has cleaned up the mess and will provide the health district with plans to prevent future spills.
