A self-contained sewage system at the Felton Fair shopping center malfunctioned Dec. 11, causing it to overflow and send effluent into a storm drain that flows to the San Lorenzo River.

The amount of sewage that went into the river is unknown. After a few hours, a crew from Fall Creek Engineering repaired a broken float mechanism, restoring the plant to working order, according to Rafael Sanchez, program manager for Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Services.

The center is at Mt. Hermon and Graham Hill roads.

Opponents of the proposed Zayante Oaks housing project next to the center pointed out that the sewage plant has malfunctioned before and the adjacent affordable-housing development is planned to include a similar sewage system.