Palm Bay Utilities Stops Tainted Discharge In Canal
By Space Coast Daily // September 27, 2014
advisory will remain in effect
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – After working around the clock to drain overflow ponds at the Palm Bay Utilities wastewater treatment plant, operators were able to stop the discharge of partially treated wastewater into a local canal at approximately noon today.
Due to the recent heavy rains in the area, the Palm Bay Utilities Wastewater Treatment facility was inundated with a volume of wastewater and storm water almost twice the daily average.
The utilities department continues to work closely with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Department of Health to monitor the situation and test the waterway to ensure that the overflow does not present health hazards to residents.
“We are continuing to monitor the weather forecast and hope that diminishing rainfall will reduce excessive flows into the plant,” said Katie Ennis, Assistant Director of Palm Bay Utilities Department.
The advisory will remain in effect until test results are satisfactory. 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.
Please visit www.pbud.org for updates and information.
