BRADENTON – Following the release of more than a million gallons of partially treated wastewater from Bradenton’s water reclamation facility in February, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is continuing its investigation, which could result in financial penalties to the city.
“While our investigation is still ongoing, early information from the facility indicates that approximately 1.2 million gallons of partially treated wastewater was released following an operational failure. Please note, this water had undergone partial treatment and was not raw sewage,” FDEP spokesperson Brian Humphreys wrote in a March 9 email to The Sun.
According to FDEP, shortly after noon on Feb. 28, the filter system at the city’s water reclamation facility at 1810 First St. W. had a blockage, causing the bypass of the water into the Manatee River. The bypass was closed at 5:10 p.m. and the river sampling was started. The river flows to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.
“The overflow did reach the nearby Manatee River, so water quality samples were taken by the city of Bradenton to monitor any bacteria levels. Advisory signs were posted around the affected area. DEP is committed to enforcing Florida’s environmental laws and holding environmental polluters accountable,” Humphreys wrote.
A Feb. 29 City of Bradenton Instagram post stated the following:
“City of Bradenton’s Wastewater Treatment Facility faced an operational failure, leading to a 90-minute tank overflow due to blockages. A seized bypass valve was manually reopened, and the surrounding curb and gutter area on 17th Avenue, approximately 200 yards, swiftly returned to normal after cleaning and treatment. The city is investigating the system malfunction and collaborating with environmental agencies on discharge and drainage issues.”
“As part of our investigation, DEP issued a warning letter to help collect the necessary facts to determine any violations or necessary penalties or enforcement actions, and our regulatory review of their response is ongoing,” Humphreys wrote.
In that March 4 warning letter from FDEP Southwest District Director Kelley Boatwright to Dean Jones, director of the City of Bradenton Public Works and Utilities department, Boatwright wrote in part, “Please be advised that this warning letter is part of an agency investigation, preliminary to agency action in accordance with Section 120.57 (5), Florida Statutes. Violations of Florida Statutes or administrative rules may result in liability for damages and restoration, and the judicial imposition of civil penalties, pursuant to Sections 403.121 and 403.161, Florida Statutes.”
Boatwright’s letter also references previous unauthorized discharges.
“Additionally, during the months of January through February 2024, the department was notified by the City of Bradenton and the SWO (State Watch Office) that your facility had several unauthorized discharges or unpermitted SSOs (Sanitary Sewer Overflow) totaling approximately 19,970 gallons. These instances are in potential violation of Chapter 403, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 62-620, Florida Administrative Code.”
