A major sewer main break has sparked significant environmental and public health concerns in Palm Bay, city officials announced Monday.
In an update on Monday at around 12 p.m., the city also said it has identified illicit discharge of sewage in Turkey Creek and surrounding waterways.
“Palm Bay Utilities is working an illicit discharge of sewage that has been identified in Turkey Creek and surrounding waterways. Do not enter. No fishing, boating, or swimming,” officials said.
The rupture, located near 1050 Clearmont Street NE, occurred in a critical 20-inch sewer main that supplies the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The break has led to an active discharge of wastewater onto the ground.
According to the City of Palm Bay, the break’s severity prevents the immediate shutdown of the sewer line, allowing untreated wastewater to spill into the surrounding area.
“Due to the critical nature of the line, the flow cannot be immediately halted, resulting in an active discharge of wastewater onto the ground,” the city said in a statement.
Officials say the city’s drinking water is still safe and not impacted, but the ongoing spill could harm the local environment and people’s health.
The city stated, “There is no impact on the city’s drinking water supply, which remains safe and unaffected.” The city has hired Cathcart Construction Company, a firm with extensive experience working with local governments, to handle the crisis.
Efforts to contain the spill are underway, with officials anticipating control of the situation by mid-afternoon today. Repairs to the damaged sewer main are also in progress, though no specific timeline for completion has been provided.
People are asked to stay away from the area and to keep up with official updates. The city has set up a hotline at 321-726-5683 for the latest information.
