Flooding of Philippi Creek threatens homes on River Ridge Dr. in Sarasota
Stormwater runoff from Tropical Storm Debby threatens homes along Philippi Creek on River Ridge Dr. in Sarasota
Local communities have reported significant amounts of wastewater leaks during Tropical Storm Debby.
Since August 4, at least 6.6 million gallons of sewage have been spilled in numerous incidents at sewage treatment plants, pump stations and manholes in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Not all of the leaks came into contact with local waterways, but the discharges resulted in millions of gallons of sewage entering waterways that flow into Sarasota Bay.
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Millions of gallons of sewage spilled in Sarasota County
Communities in Sarasota County reported a release of at least 2.87 million gallons of wastewater as a result of Tropical Storm Debby.
On August 7, Sarasota County reported sewage overflows at nine of 785 pump stations due to rainfall, power outages and blockages caused by Tropical Storm Debby. These pump stations are located in Beneva Woods, Coral Club, Gulf Gate, Linwood, Longwood, Osprey, Riverview, Siesta Key and Willow Leaf. Authorities estimate that a total of 792,700 gallons of sewage spilled at these locations. The largest overflow occurred at the Siesta Key Regional Lift Station with 309,000 gallons of sewage, followed by the Linwood Regional Lift Station with 252,000 gallons.
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North Port also reported a leak of 1.5 million gallons of water from its wastewater treatment plant into a nearby creek on August 7 after heavy rains caused retention basins to fill.
On August 5, the City of Sarasota reported sewer overflows in several locations that lasted from the morning of August 5 through August 6. The city stated that excessive rainfall and storm surge overwhelmed the system. The volume of runoff could not be accurately estimated, but it is no less than 1,000 gallons.
Also on August 5, the Englewood Water District reported an overflow at its Holiday Ventures pumping station on Haligan Way. About 350,000 gallons of wastewater flowed into an abandoned pond on the property. No state or public waters were affected by the flooding. About 300,000 gallons of the wastewater was recovered.
Manatee County communities report numerous sewage leaks
The City of Bradenton and Manatee County facilities reported at least 3.76 million gallons of wastewater spills during the tropical storm, but the county only reported that the amount exceeded the minimum reportable level of 1,000 gallons and did not provide precise estimates.
On August 4, the City of Bradenton diverted 3.5 million gallons of partially treated wastewater from its water treatment plant into the Manatee River. The city also reported an overflow at a pumping station at 190115th Avenue W. that caused 250,000 gallons of wastewater to drain from a manhole on 17th Avenue West.
On August 5, the Manatee County North Regional Water Reclamation Facility at 8500 69th Street East in Palmetto reported that partially treated wastewater had entered the plant site through a sewer station and manhole. Later that morning, additional wastewater entered the plant site through additional drains. The volume of the drain could not be accurately estimated, but is no less than 1,000 gallons.
More: Residents flooded by water discharge in Manatee County in response to Debby
Also on August 5, the Manatee County Southeast Water Reclamation Facility at 3331 Lena Road in Bradenton discharged raw wastewater onto the plant site. The wastewater remained on site and had no impact on surface water. The volume of wastewater could not be accurately estimated, but is no less than 1,000 gallons.
On August 4, the Manatee County Southwest Water Reclamation Facility, 5101 65th Street West in Bradenton, reported a wastewater discharge from its spray line onto the plant site. The next morning, the plant’s wastewater station and a manhole also began discharging partially treated wastewater onto the plant site. The wastewater remained on site, but it is believed that partially treated wastewater entered Sarasota Bay. The volume could not be accurately estimated, but it is no less than 1,000 gallons.
The Manatee County North Regional Wastewater Service Area experienced multiple raw sewage overflows after rains from Tropical Storm Debby flooded numerous pumping stations on August 4. Some of the raw sewage entered the state’s waterways, but the volume and final destination could not be accurately estimated, although it is no less than 1,000 gallons.
The southwestern Manatee County sewer service area experienced multiple raw sewage overflows after rains from Tropical Storm Debby flooded numerous pumping stations on August 4. Some of the raw sewage entered the state’s waterways, but the volume and final destination could not be accurately estimated.
The southeastern Manatee County wastewater service area experienced several raw sewage overflows after rains from Tropical Storm Debby flooded numerous pumping stations on August 4. Some of the raw sewage entered the state’s waterways, but the volume and final destination could not be accurately estimated, although it is no less than 1,000 gallons.
