Two sewage spills Friday and Saturday totaling 25,000 gallons prompted Howard County officials to temporarily stop work on the expansion of the Cherry Tree Farms Sewage Pump Station until a contractor can produce more reliable plans, authorities said.

Robert M. Beringer, county utilities chief, said the station, in the 8400 block of Sweet Cherry Lane, is being enlarged to accommodate a new housing development near U.S. 29 and Route 216 in southern Howard.

The first spill, which began in the morning, was discovered quickly, Beringer said, limiting the release to about 5,000 gallons. The second occurred at night, releasing 19,800 gallons into a nearby creek.

Beringer said both resulted from faults in a temporary, above-ground system of hoses used to divert the sewage around the pumping station during construction. Cleanup was done, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, which serves the area, was notified. Beringer said he ordered work stopped after the second spill.