55-Gallon ‘Unknown’ Drums Removed From Century Water Well Site And Destroyed

February 14, 2024

According to a filing Tuesdaywith the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), four “unknown substance” 55-gallong drums  have been identified, removed from a Century water well site, and destroyed.

In a January 30 warning letter, FDEP cited a possible violation after finding four 55-gallon drums on-site at the town’s Well #1 on Blackmon Street  that had been there for at least four years with ” unknown substance” inside.

An account manager for the Layne Christensen Company, said in an email Tuesday to the town and FDEP that samples appeared to be the “same vegetable grade oil that was bailed from Well #1 when it was changed to water lubrication.” The barrels were removed and disposed of properly.

FDEP identified 34 other potential violations of Florida statutes and codes. Other findings included improper safety equipment, insufficient chlorine in the water, an emergency plan dated 2012, and that laboratory and other data was being falsified. A daily log sheet was pre-filled by the town’s operator with sampling results before the sampling analysis was conducted, FDEP said. The town has hired an attorney to respond to the remainder of the FDEP warning letter.

RELATED: State Inspection Of Century Water System Finds 35 Possible Violations, Including Low Chlorine And Falsification Of Records

Comments

11 Responses to “55-Gallon ‘Unknown’ Drums Removed From Century Water Well Site And Destroyed”

  1. dave lamb on February 18th, 2024 4:48 am

    What a shame the Veggie oil was “destroyed”. It would have powered somebody’s diesel engine (maybe the water districts well pumps) and saves some fuel expense.
    It would have shown a more environmental use and possible some good publicity.

  2. Henry Powell on February 17th, 2024 12:58 pm

    There not even giving correct bills. I’ve had many people come to me about high water bills. There trying to make up for money going else where like pockets. The sad thing is the ones who work there are proud to say they do. There not fooling anyone. A couple of the employees there are ok but most needs legal repercussion.
    Century is the new camp Lejeune, and wait there’s more….. To be continued.

  3. Kelly on February 17th, 2024 12:33 am

    This is what happens when you pay staff $10-$12 an hour to do important work! I am certain those that are responsible for this don’t care. They are barely making any money anyway.

    This is absolutely disgusting!! There should be a public announcement to NOT use the water! I do not appreciate having to pay for city water, when what what we are getting is probably sewer water anyway!

  4. Not again on February 16th, 2024 10:31 am

    Obviously, the Town of Century has no intention or interest in asking its citizens through referendum about disincorporation of this local government.

    It is now truly up to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and the Florida Legislature, along with input from the Emerald Coast Utilities Utilities Authority, as to what needs to be done with this incompetent municipal body.

    No grants, shared revenue sources, or special appropriations need to be awarded to this local government from this moment forward. The County should take over governance, and ECUA should take over all utilities. This local government will put its own citizen’s safety at risk. Shut it down immediately.

  5. Me on February 14th, 2024 11:49 pm

    I live in a surrounding area of Century! I am embarrassed to say CENTURY to anyone. I will claim Alabama. Instead. Beings I am only 1 mile from the state line!! Sad so sad! Mr Boutwel tried to fix things and got run off and over ruled! Sad is what century is!!!!!

  6. BIG JOHN on February 14th, 2024 10:03 pm

    WELL UNDER EPA RULES THE TOWN WATER OPERATOR SHOULD BE FRIED AND HIS LICENSE REMOVED AND PAY A FINE. .AS ONE WHO HAD A LICENSE BUT THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN, WATCH AND SEE THIS HOLE TOWM OF CENTURY IS A BIG JOKE. CLOSE IT ALL DOWN STATE BE FORE SOMEONE DIED

  7. HigherGround on February 14th, 2024 7:47 pm

    A very tiny eye drop of the entire of the degrading health of so many communities. #accountability

  8. David Huie Green on February 14th, 2024 3:04 pm

    REGARDING:
    “A daily log sheet was pre-filled by the town’s operator with sampling results before the sampling analysis was conducted, FDEP said.”

    I guess nobody appreciates a good psychic.

  9. CW on February 14th, 2024 2:55 pm

    ‘Eh just sit ‘em over there, we’ll get to ‘em eventually’

  10. bob on February 14th, 2024 11:37 am

    One down and 34 to go.

    Progress can now be seen in the town of Century.

    Congratulations to the citizens of Century!

  11. Greg Stewart on February 14th, 2024 10:55 am

    It should be pretty clear now that this town council can’t get much right. Safe, reliable water is a primary essential to life, anwhere. Dear State legislator, put this place out of its misery and get them some help, please.