Health Advisory Issued After Millions Of Gallons Of Sewage Spilled At ECUA Bayou Marcus Treatment Plant

May 14, 2021

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Several million gallons of sewage have been spilled at an Escambia County treatment facility, and the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has issued a health advisory.

A 30-inch diameter pipe at the Emerald Coast Utility Authority Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility ruptured Thursday night.

Friday afternoon, the health department issued a health advisory for Perdido Bay south of the Bayou Marcus Creek.

“hTe sewage release is ongoing, FDOH-Escambia advises against any water-related activities due to the potential for high bacteria levels,” FDOH-Escambia said

The ruptured line runs between the beginning of the plant process and the biological treatment basins.

“Sewage at this point in the process has undergone primary screening and de-gritting. ECUA personnel responded immediately and worked through the night to take the line out of service and redirect the flow,” ECUA spokesperson Nathalie Bowers said. “The full scope of the repair work and the volume of the overflow are still being determined, but the damaged pipe is already being exposed and evaluated.”

More information will become available once the damaged pipe is fully bypassed and excavated. The pipe is below the water table, which complicates the repair process, Bowers said.

ECUA has notified the State Warning Point, the Escambia County Health Department and the Florida Department of Environmental Management.

The facility is located west of the North Blue Angel Parkway and Muldoon Road intersection (maps below).

Comments

3 Responses to “Health Advisory Issued After Millions Of Gallons Of Sewage Spilled At ECUA Bayou Marcus Treatment Plant”

  1. Get Real on May 14th, 2021 6:18 pm

    Pipe was probably made locally over 50 years ago with zero maintenance because short-sighted folks tend to cry loudly about necessary taxes to support their lifestyle.

    But go right on perpetuating prejudice because it makes you feel better about yourself.

  2. DGP on May 14th, 2021 5:18 pm

    I worked at this plant for three and a half years. It professionally run and I’m sure everything that could be done has been done by plant personnel.

    At this point it’s time for the top management of ECUA to get involved and take care of the situation ASAP.

  3. EMD on May 14th, 2021 1:18 pm

    Pipe was probably “Made in China.” UGH ! ! !