Florida residents were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday after being forced to evacuate when a burglary in a 79-acre reservoir containing wastewater south of Tampa posed the threat of a collapse that left a wall of 20 feet can unleash.
The announcement comes after officials on Monday assessed the potential for a second breach in the leaking reservoir, which was ruled out by the end of the day.
Scott Hopes, the acting administrator of Manatee County, told a news conference Tuesday afternoon that residents will be allowed to return to their homes due to additional pumps and water diversion due to an uncontrolled violation. More than 300 homes were under a mandatory evacuation order.
“We believe that the risk has been successfully mitigated and reduced,” he said. Hopes said.
On March 26, when the leak was reported, the reservoir, part of a system of dams connected to a former phosphate mine in Piney Point, Florida, contained about 480 million gallons of wastewater.
With the water volume at 340 million liters on Sunday, Mr. Hopes warns that models suggest that if the reservoir were to yield against the volume, it would result in a ’20 meter wall of water ‘falling over residential and commercial areas.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said Tuesday that approximately 303 million gallons of water remained in the reservoir and that approximately 165 million gallons were left until Tuesday afternoon. The department also said that water will be taken in the area to determine its quality.
At the news conference, Vanessa Baugh, chairwoman of the Manatee County Commission, said the country’s council unanimously approved the use of a deep injection pit on property in the country. This will give land commissioners total control over the well in the future and enable the country to dictate water quality before going into the well.
“In other words, the residents and business owners of Northern Manatee can rest assured,” she said. Baugh said. “I am so glad that the disruption of life – or life – as usual in Northern Manatee is minimal.”
Mr. Hopes said there were still concerns about the impact of the leak on the environment, but that the flow of water appeared to be to an extent that officials could hopefully dilute and deal with it properly.
“We are very, very optimistic that we have been able to successfully reduce the impact,” he said. Hopes said, adding that drinking water was safe. ‘I think everyone should be reassured that it is now very much under control. The risk has been reduced. ”
At the news conference, Mr. Hopes had empathy with residents who were forced to evacuate, but was thankful there was no major violation.
“It was difficult for everyone involved. “It was stressful for the residents of Manatee County,” he said. Hopes said. ‘I hope many of us – I know I’m going to go – will sleep better tonight. I may be asleep, and I’m probably the others involved. ”