The takeaway message: Polluted wastewater at an abandoned phosphate mine in Manatee County was pumped into Tampa Bay to stop a leak from flooding surrounding neighborhoods. Stakeholders say this could have consequences for the marine ecosystem.
What was dumped into Tampa Bay?
Florida environment officials are suing the owner of an old fertilizer plant over a leak that led to the emergency release of 215 million gallons of contaminated water directly into Tampa Bay earlier this year. Aug. 5, 2021, at 9:01 p.m.
What did Piney Point dump?
The nearly “catastrophic failure” of Piney Point, a former phosphate mining facility, unleashed millions of gallons of untreated wastewater into local waterways, and new research, published on the anniversary the leak at the facility began, reveals just how devastating it was.
Where is the radioactive leak in Florida?
It’s been a week since a significant leak at a long-abandoned fertilizer plant in the Tampa Bay area threatened the surrounding groundwater, soil, and local water supplies. Last weekend, officials ordered more than 300 families living near the 676-acre Piney Point plant site in Manatee county to evacuate.
Is the Piney Point water radioactive?
More than 1 billion tons of the radioactive and toxic waste have already been stored in 25 stacks scattered throughout Florida. The stacks are perched precariously atop the Floridan aquifer, which supplies drinking water to 10 million people.
Why is Florida beach toxic?
One of the most well-known harmful algal blooms (HABs) is the Florida “red tide” caused by Karenia brevis, a type of algae that produces potent neurotoxins. The toxins can be suspended in the air near beaches and cause human respiratory illness.
Why is there toxic water in Florida?
It’s natural to have some algae in the water column, but decades of fertilizer, manure and sewage runoff have boosted phosphorus and nitrogen levels, making toxic algae grow out of control and poisoning Florida’s waters.
Is Florida radioactive?
Florida has 1 billion tons of radioactive phosphogypsum in 25 stacks, including the Piney Point and New Wales gypstacks. The disastrous Piney Point phosphogypsum stack recently discharged more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into Tampa Bay, where there is now a red tide bloom.
How clean is Tampa Bay Water?
We are pleased to report that in 2021 the water we provided to our member governments met or was better than all state and federal drinking water health standards. Public health and safety are top priorities and Tampa Bay Water is committed to providing a clean and reliable drinking water supply.
Is Piney Point water toxic?
Toxic water at Piney Point has plagued the Tampa Bay area for decades prior to emergency evacuation. Officials say the gypsum stack at the old phosphate mine is on the brink of collapse. PALMETTO, Fla. — When owners abandoned the Piney Point phosphate mine in 2001, they left behind an 800 million gallon problem.
Is there toxic water in Florida?
Several groups of toxic cyanobacteria have been detected in Florida’s waters. The groups Microcystis, Anabaena and Cylindrospermopsis and their associated toxins – microcystins, anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin, respectively – all occur in Florida freshwater systems, including those used for drinking water.
Where is the toxic water in Florida being pumped?
Earlier this year, more than 200 million gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged into local waters because of a leak at Piney Point, a former phosphate mining facility in Manatee County, Florida.
What is going on with the water in Florida?
The sources of nutrient pollution aren’t new: agricultural runoff, manure from cattle, septic tanks, treated sewage used for watering lawns, sewage sludge spread on fields, and local stormwater runoff. All of this ends up entering waterways and exacerbates red tide and blue-green algae.
Why is the water toxic in Florida 2021?
In April 2021, the Piney Point phosphate mine began leaking toxic wastewater produced by the mining process. Over 215 million gallons of contaminated water leaked from containment ponds into a Manatee County tributary that flowed into the southern end of Tampa Bay.
What is stored at Piney Point?
Piney Point phosphate plant is an industrial site in Manatee County, Florida and the location of a former fertilizer plant.
Is Florida water dirty?
Florida’s dirtiest water: Florida ranks among the top ten dirtiest states, according to AOLHealth.com. The Web site reports that approximately 17 million Floridians have been exposed to bad tap water containing more than 100 contaminants.
What time of year does red tide occur in Florida?
Red tide occurs naturally in coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico with blooms appearing seasonally. Although the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, typically blooms between August and December, blooms often deviate from that time frame.
Where is there no red tide in Florida?
Once you get south of Manasota and Englewood Beach on Florida’s gulf coast, current water samples are showing no occurrence of the toxins that indicate red tide. That means popular destinations like Sanibel and Captiva, Naples, Fort Myers and Marco Island are all in the clear.
What does red tide do to humans?
Most people can swim in red tide, but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off with fresh water. Swimming near dead fish is not recommended.
Is Florida running out of water?
Florida’s current fresh water supply is projected to be unable to meet all of the growing needs of Floridians in the future. Water resource managers therefore use water conservation and alternative water supply sources to augment the traditional water supply sources.
Which beach is contaminated in Florida?
According to the Florida Department of Health, multiple beaches in De Funiak Springs, Bay, and Pasco Counties, along with one in the Tampa Bay area, have been contaminated by the bacteria with swim at your own risk advisories in effect until further notice.