The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is investigating a report from the City of Clearwater regarding the release of over a million gallons of partially treated wastewater into Old Tampa Bay.

The overflow originated from Clearwater’s East Wastewater Reclamation Facility during an attempt to clean a plant clarifier in preparation for storm season. According to Rich Gardner with the City of Clearwater, the cleaning process led to an unexpected buildup of solids, which caused the clarifier to overflow.

“We started having too many solids; they built up and eventually spilled over the sides of the clarifier along with the water,” Gardner explained to WTSP.

The wastewater passed through filters and disinfection chambers before reaching the bay. Despite this, no public advisory was issued to beachgoers.

“There were no fecal coliforms. Since there were none, we knew the water was fully disinfected,” Gardner stated.

However, Safety Harbor resident Debbee Harris expressed concerns about the impact of the overflow on recreational areas.

“Where it spilled is where people take their kids to swim and where they jet ski. That’s disgusting,” Harris said.

Harris also voiced frustration over a persistent foul odor in the area, which she believes is linked to the city’s northeast wastewater plant.

“There are some evenings when you drive in, and the whole neighborhood stinks like sewage,” she told WTSP.

Residents worry the ongoing odor issues are affecting property values.

“It’s bringing down our home values. Who’s going to want to move here when the first thing they notice is the smell?” Harris added.

The City of Clearwater stated that temporary improvements are in place, but a permanent solution will take more than a year to complete.

“The biggest challenge is finding personnel to run the project, but the city has provided sufficient funding,” Gardner said.

FDEP is reviewing the incident and may impose fines on the city for the overflow of partially treated wastewater into the bay.

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(Image credit: WTSP)

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