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

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy 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

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.