Before the Battle of Earth, there was apparently a maintenance or construction operation in progress in the area, as several pipes had been unearthed. It was a site of an engagement between the UNSC and Covenant forces during the Battle of Voi. During the engagement, Jiralhanae-led Covenant forces engaged several squads of Marines guarding the area, prompting an intervention by John-117 as he advanced on the Artifact. The humans eventually broke the siege and advanced onwards, regaining control of the pump house.