Florida Wastewater Pond Collapse Could Result in 20-ft.-high Floodwaters
Update 4/6: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released new data showing a diminished risk for an uncontrolled breach of water from Piney Point. The local evacuation order has been lifted. Residents and local businesses near Piney Point are asked to return home. Although some roadways have opened to thru traffic, Buckeye Rd. is closed until further notice.
Original article text:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order on Saturday, April 3 for Manatee County, where a leak was discovered at a wastewater reservoir. State officials estimate over 300 homes could be under as much as 20 feet of water should the reservoir collapse.
The 77-acre wastewater pond is at the site of a previous phosphate plant at Piney Point. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has said that the pond is primarily saltwater mixed with wastewater and stormwater. According to the Agency, it has elevated levels of phosphorous and nitrogen and is acidic, but not likely to be toxic.
On March 26, State officials noticed the pond began leaking towards Tampa Bay via Piney Point Creek and began controlled discharges into nearby Port Manatee. This changed on Friday, April 2, when a portion of the reservoir’s containment wall had shifted, prompting emergency evacuations and escalated response measures. Officials believe the shift could be an indication that the wall may collapse at any time.
As of April 3, Florida DEP has successfully discharged at least 53 million gallons of wastewater at a rate of about 22,000 gallons per minute.
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Original article text:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order on Saturday, April 3 for Manatee County, where a leak was discovered at a wastewater reservoir. State officials estimate over 300 homes could be under as much as 20 feet of water should the reservoir collapse.
The 77-acre wastewater pond is at the site of a previous phosphate plant at Piney Point. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has said that the pond is primarily saltwater mixed with wastewater and stormwater. According to the Agency, it has elevated levels of phosphorous and nitrogen and is acidic, but not likely to be toxic.
On March 26, State officials noticed the pond began leaking towards Tampa Bay via Piney Point Creek and began controlled discharges into nearby Port Manatee. This changed on Friday, April 2, when a portion of the reservoir’s containment wall had shifted, prompting emergency evacuations and escalated response measures. Officials believe the shift could be an indication that the wall may collapse at any time.
As of April 3, Florida DEP has successfully discharged at least 53 million gallons of wastewater at a rate of about 22,000 gallons per minute.
RCRA Training to Manage Your Site's Hazardous Waste
Be confident that your employees know the RCRA regulations that impact your operations and the consequences for noncompliance. Employees who know the regulations behind your workplace policies are more likely to recognize the importance of compliance.
At Lion.com, find live RCRA training for new and experienced personnel to get everyone up to speed on the regulations they must know to safely manage hazardous waste and help avoid accidents, injuries, and costly fines and penalties.
RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Webinar
Develop the in-depth expertise you need to identify regulated wastes and meet your responsibilities for proper storage, labeling, and safe disposal.
- April 7–8
- April 27–28
Help satisfy EPA's annual RCRA training mandate with this streamlined course for experienced hazardous waste professionals.
- April 20
- May 4
Tags: florida, hazardous waste management, RCRA, wastewater
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