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ECUA Says Nearly 6 Million Gallons Of Sewage Leaked Last Week; Perdido Bay Health Advisories Remain In Effect
May 18, 2021
Nearly 6 million gallons of sewage leaked over 20 hours last week form the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility, and health advisories remain in effect.
In a report to the Florida Department of Environmental Management on Monday, ECUA said 5.922 million gallons leaked, and 222,660 gallons was collected. ECUA acknowledged in the report that the spill did reach Bayou Marcus Creek and surrounding wetlands.
A 30-inch diameter pipe at the Emerald Coast Utility Authority Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility ruptured Thursday night. Some 20 hours later, the pipe had been replaced and was back in service. About 7:45 p.m. Friday, ECUA said the overflow had ceased and the plant had resume normal operation.
Friday afternoon, the Florida Department of Health issued a health advisory for Perdido Bay south of the Bayou Marcus Creek. The health department advised any water-related activities due to the potential for high bacteria levels. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management also advised caution and an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in Perdido Bay. The state line is roughly in the middle of the bay.
Monday afternoon, ECUA said they began sampling Saturday for E. Coli in Bayou Marcus Creek and Enterococci in Perdido Bay.
“The Perdido Bay sample results were below maximum allowable thresholds for Enterococci for both days,” ECUA said. “The upstream creek location sample results were also below maximum allowable thresholds for both days. The creek entry point and downstream sample results for both days were above the maximum allowable threshold but are declining rapidly.”
The facility is located west of the North Blue Angel Parkway and Muldoon Road intersection (maps below).
Comments
6 Responses to “ECUA Says Nearly 6 Million Gallons Of Sewage Leaked Last Week; Perdido Bay Health Advisories Remain In Effect”
So—can we swim on Perdido beaches? Johnson Beach??? Access number 1,2, & 3? How safe is the water??
whats just as concerning is the lack of water testing site along the bay. I couldn’t find anything on water quality in the last week as as far a popular site. Alabama only tests once a week as it appears in their water quality test sites. Escambia county probably has one person to monitor all them which is sad considering how important our waterways are economically. If there’s a volunteer program for water testing and reporting, i could do 4 sites a day easily.
Nice, pretty great to realize our high water bills don’t actually go to upkeeping the treatment facility.
Perdido Bay has sewage coming in from both sides. The Lillian Sewage Plant discharges from the Alabama side and ECUA discharges Florida sewage. The Bay does not have a chance!
Santa Rosa County commissioners are trying there best to install one of these on property adjacent to Blackwater River.
ECUA should be treated like BP. Come on lawyers, go get em’