Manatee County residents living near the former Piney Point fertilizer processing plant were evacuated Saturday because of serious concerns that a collapse of the walls holding hundreds of million gallons of polluted industrial wastewater at the complex by Tampa Bay could occur at any time.
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Manatee County in response to the danger, and the Florida Highway Patrol closed part of U.S. 41 between the Hillsborough County Line and Moccasin Wallow Road as crews worked to release more water in order to relieve pressure on the containment system. Other roads such as Buckeye Road, Bud Rhoden Road, 113th Street and Oneill Road were also closed.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Saturday after a significant leak at a large pond of wastewater threatened to flood roads and burst a system that stores polluted waters. Officials in Florida ordered more than 300 homes to be evacuated and closed off a highway Saturday near the large reservoir in the Tampa Bay area north of Bradenton. Residents who live around the Piney Point reservoir received an alert via text saying to leave the area immediately because the collapse was imminent. Authorities expanded the evacuation area later Saturday to include more homes, but said they were not planning to open shelters.
Environmental officials working to prevent potential disaster situation in Tampa area
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TAMPA, Fla. – Authorities in central Florida are working around the clock to avoid a potential environmental disaster for the Tampa Bay area.
Officials are saying a partial breach of a barrier around an old phosphate mine has caused expanding evacuations Saturday evening.
The state sent additional pumps and cranes in to help control the breach.
The Tampa Bay area is dealing with a potential environmental disaster. (WPLG)
“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is prepared to, and dedicated to, the full enforcement for any damages to our state’s natural resources,” said Shannon Herbon, spokesperson for Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “So that is definitely happening, it’s just right now our top priority is ensuring the ceasing of the breach.”
By Li Cohen
April 4, 2021 / 7:45 AM / CBS News
Some residents in Manatee County, Florida, were evacuated from their homes over Easter weekend as officials cited fears that a wastewater pond could collapse at any time. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the area on Saturday.
County officials said the pond, located at the former Piney Point phosphate processing plant, has a significant leak, according to CBS affiliate WTSP-TV.
The Manatee County Public Safety Department told people near the plant to evacuate due to an imminent uncontrolled release of wastewater. A portion of the containment wall at the leak site shifted laterally, said Manatee Director of Public Safety Jake Saur, signifying that structural collapse could occur at any time.