Piney Point Update - April 7, 2021 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 04/07/2021 04:18 PM EDT
Piney Point

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov

Piney Point Update - April 7, 2021 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) tasked two innovative technology companies to initiate nutrient reduction and removal treatments from water on-site prior to discharging to Port Manatee. DEP continues to work with its partners to implement solutions in the waterways surrounding Piney Point to combat potential harmful algal blooms. 

Key status updates and response activities:  

  • Approximately 258 million gallons remain in the NGS-South compartment.  
  • More than 38 million gallons per day are being removed from the NGS-South compartment through pumps and other water management activities.  
  • Controlled discharges of mixed saltwater from NGS-South compartment to Port Manatee are ongoing to reduce the water volume and pressure, and stabilize the system. To date, approximately 173 million gallons have been discharged to the port.  
  • The department is working to repair the one identified area where there is concentrated seepage from the east wall of the NGS-South compartment. The flow of the seepage has reduced and remains contained onsite in the facility’s lined stormwater management system.     
  • DEP’s interactive water quality dashboard details sampling locations and corresponding results to evaluate any environmental impacts to Tampa Bay from the Piney Point discharges. The most recent results show sampling locations in Tampa Bay are attaining marine water quality standards; however, sampling from areas surrounding the active discharge point in Port Manatee shows elevated levels of phosphorus. 
  • Results will continue to be posted as soon as they are available. 
  • Yesterday, Manatee County Emergency Management reopened U.S. Highway 41 to traffic and lifted the local evacuation order enabling local residents and businesses to return home safely. 

Residents can find the latest information on the status of the site and response activities at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/PineyPointUpdate.

For information on public safety and evacuation guidance in this area, please visit MyManatee.org.