TARPON SPRINGS — An estimated 8,200 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into the Anclote River Bayou Complex just after midnight July 29, when a pipe mounted to the Bayshore Drive bridge ruptured during scheduled maintenance, according to a city report.
A Florida Department of Environmental Protection report lists the contractor as the cause.
The bayou complex is a network of interconnected bayous along the south side of the river.
Staff closed a valve to stop the flow from the 10-inch force main and shut down the upstream lift stations remotely, using a computer network that monitors and controls wastewater collection, lift stations and the treatment plant in real time, the report said.
Crews also used one of the city’s newly purchased vacuum trucks to keep more sewage from leaving nearby lift stations, collecting the waste before it could reach the river, Vice Mayor Michael Eisner said. The city’s contractor installed a second valve to isolate the break, and a temporary bypass pipe was put in place. Water samples were taken.
A city spokesperson said crews stopped the initial leak in less than an hour by using the remote utility control system to shut down the affected pumps.
“City crews also implemented a water quality monitoring plan approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, posted precautionary signage in the area, and notified nearby residents to avoid contact with the water while monitoring was underway,” the spokesperson said.
Residents from Gulf Road to Harbor Watch were asked to limit their water use for a time. Drinking water was not affected, and no boil-water notice was issued. Crews completed a temporary repair the next day and told residents the area was clear. Permanent repairs are underway.
The city reported the spill to the state as required, the spokesperson said, adding that sanitary sewer overflows “do not automatically result in enforcement action or fines.” The city is continuing to work with the department on reporting requirements.
The spokesperson said the spill, while it may have looked significant to passers-by, was small compared with releases at Florida utilities during recent hurricanes.
“The city takes every wastewater spill seriously, regardless of size,” the spokesperson said.