DEP and the court-appointed receiver are closely monitoring information from state meteorologists regarding the development of Hurricane Idalia, which is expected to approach the Tampa Bay area later today and tonight.
The receiver has taken steps to ensure the site is ready to manage the potential rainfall and winds from this hurricane, including staging backup pumps, securing heavy equipment and construction materials, and adjusting water management levels in the ponds to ensure the site can endure hurricane force winds and rain. Generators have also been made available to safeguard against potential power outages.
Additionally, the receiver’s contractor has completed grassing on the OGS-S area to reduce the chance of soil erosion from the recently constructed OGS-S cap during any periods of heavy rainfall.
Current projections are for approximately four to seven inches of rain at the site over the next five days, with the site having a current capacity for approximately 62 inches of rainfall.
DEP will continue its stringent regulatory oversight. The priority remains to pursue all available water management tools to ensure safe storage capacities as well as support the receiver’s ongoing work to expedite the final closure of the site.
Key status updates and response activities (bolded and underlined language reflects changes):
- The site received 2.69 inches of rain this month. Piney Point has received approximately 18.2 inches of rain since Jan. 1, 2023.
- The current storage capacity for additional rainfall at the site is approximately 62 inches. This capacity is expected to change with rainfall amounts and adjusted water management activities at the site.
- In preparation for Hurricane Idalia, the receiver has temporarily suspended the transfer of water to Manatee County’s Underground Injection Control well along Buckeye Road as well as spray evaporation operations at the site.
- Approximately 189 million gallons are currently held within the NGS-South compartment. Pond level readings are expected to fluctuate due to a host of factors, including wind/associated waves in the pond, rainfall, and water management activities.
Residents can find the latest information on the status of the site, response activities and water quality at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/PineyPointUpdate.
