Emergency declared over toxic wastewater leak in Florida April 06, 2021 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the area as officials feared that a wastewater pond could collapse "at any time." TAMPA, Florida — Hundreds of residents in Manatee County, Florida, were ordered to evacuate their homes over Easter weekend as officials feared that a wastewater pond could collapse "at any time." On Saturday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the area. County officials said the pond, located at the former Piney Point phosphate processing plant, had 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."