Severe weather associated with Hurricane Idalia passed through the Piney Point site early this morning, producing nearly 3 inches of rain and winds. DEP has been in contact with the court-appointed receiver and confirmed there is no identified damage to the compartment systems, including the recently constructed OGS-S cap, or any other water management concerns.
DEP is working closely with the court-appointed receiver to continue site evaluations and manage water levels. A full site inspection is underway to assess any post-storm impacts.
Key status updates and response activities (bolded and underlined language reflects changes):
- The site received 5.18 inches of rain this month. Piney Point has received approximately 20.7 inches of rain since Jan. 1, 2023.
- The current storage capacity for additional rainfall at the site is approximately 60.5 inches. This capacity is expected to change with rainfall amounts and adjusted water management activities at the site.
- The receiver 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 due to Hurricane Idalia, and those activities are expected to resume normal operations on Aug. 31, 2023.
- Approximately 192 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.
