Search

Florida Wastewater Pond Collapse Could Result in 20-ft.-high Floodwaters

Posted on 4/6/2021 by Lauren Scott

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.

 
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
RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Refresher Webinar
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

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.