Wastewater Leaks into Hudson Bayou

The city of Sarasota is advising the public to temporarily avoid direct contact with the Hudson Bayou following a wastewater overflow yesterday at a sewer manhole near Ohio Place and Alderman Street. 

The city issued the advisory and notified the Sarasota County Health Department as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

A resident, the city said, contacted the Utilities Department yesterday about visible damage to a manhole and seepage near lift station 17 in the Hudson Bayou neighborhood. 

It is estimated approximately 1,000 gallons of untreated wastewater leaked from the manhole into the Hudson Bayou.  Upon discovery of the faulty manhole, City crews made temporary repairs and scheduled a contractor to completely rehabilitate the suspect manhole and adjacent sewer pipe.

An environmental testing plan is in place for the Hudson Bayou.  The health advisory will be lifted when water quality test results return to normal levels.

Lift station 17 is currently under reconstruction; however, the failing manhole is not related to the construction project.

For more information contact Utilities General Manager Glenn Marzluf:  941-365-2200 ext. 6230