Rick Scott Orders DEP to Investigate Sewage Discharge in St. Petersburg

Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to investigate the recent sewage discharges in St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg officials have said it will take more than two years to correct the wastewater problems, which resulted after the city dumped 150 million gallons of wastewater into Tampa Bay after Hurricane Hermine. 

Gov. Scott directed the Florida Department of Health to begin additional testing at this site.

The DOH will monitor the water quality and conduct sampling at 14 beaches which includes nine in Pinellas County and five in Hillsborough County.

 
“We must do all we can to protect our environment and that is why I am directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to investigate the sewage dump that occurred in St. Petersburg following Hurricane Hermine," said Scott. "Today, I spoke with Nick Wiley, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and requested that they provide assistance to DEP if necessary during its investigation. I want to thank Representative Kathleen Peters, Senator Jeffery Brandes and Senator Jack Latvala who have been focused on this issue and I look forward to reviewing DEP’s findings.”
 
At this time, DOH has issued one health advisory for Simmons Park Beach in Hillsborough County which is across the bay from St. Petersburg.