10,000 gallons of wastewater spilled in Palmetto subdivision
![A map of the location of the wastewater spill. [Provided by Florida Department of Environmental Protection]](/gcdn/authoring/2019/03/12/NSHT/ghows-LK-83e6dbb3-db96-5cda-e053-0100007f2162-fdf412d4.jpeg?width=639&height=353&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
PALMETTO — Manatee County Wastewater Compliance staff are testing samples for fecal bacteria after 10,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into a retention pond Monday near the Imperial Lake Community in Palmetto.
Manatee County Utilities Department Collection System and Lift Station staff said the spill occurred at about 10 a.m. Monday after an 8-inch force main broke, allowing water to pour onto the ground and flow into a stormwater pond.
Staff shut off the upstream lift station, used pumper trucks to maintain the wastewater level at the station and stopped the spill at about 12:45 p.m.
The cause of the break was a stress crack, according to the utilities department that made repairs and rinsed and limed the affected area.
Warning sings were placed around the retention pond and Wastewater Compliance staff will analyze samples. Results will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Health to determine if further action is necessary for this event.