Palm Bay Issues Advisory Regarding Wastewater

By  //  September 26, 2014

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — The Palm Bay Utilities Department (PBUD) today issued an advisory to city residents of a possible wastewater discharge affecting Turkey Creek.

The stormwater drain, which runs parallel to Minton Road at the intersection,  flows to the south toward Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District. Portions of the stormwater drain, which is 140 feet long, are more than 30 years old.

Due to the recent heavy rains in the area, the Palm Bay Utilities Wastewater Treatment facility has experienced a larger than average volume of wastewater and stormwater on site.

As a result of the inundation all storage and treatment capacity at the facility has been reached, and partially-treated wastewater has overflowed into a canal that feeds into Turkey Creek.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Florida Department of Health have been notified, and the Utilities Department is working closely with both agencies to properly address the situation and  ensure that the overflow does not present health hazards to residents.

Until additional information is known regarding the extent of any contamination, residents are urged to take precautions to limit contact with Turkey Creek. Specifically, residents should abstain from swimming and fishing in Turkey Creek until further notice.

Palm Bay Utilities Stops Tainted Discharge In CanalRelated Story:
Palm Bay Utilities Stops Tainted Discharge In Canal

Testing is currently underway, and the advisory will be lifted once test results are satisfactory.

Anyone who comes into contact with possible contaminants in Turkey Creek should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.

Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to the effects caused by contaminated water and, as such, are urged to take every precaution to avoid contact with the creek water until further notice.

For more information about the potential health effects of the wastewater overflow, residents are encouraged to contact the Brevard health department at Brevard.EHS@flhealth.gov or by calling (321) 633-2100. Residents may also visitwww.pbud.org or contact Palm Bay Utilities at (321) 952-3410 for more information and updates.