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Sewage Spills Into Baycrest Canals

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2008

Tampa - A sewage leak has health officials warning residents along the Bay Crest Canals south of Hillsborough Avenue and west of Memorial Highway to avoid contact with the water for the next few days.

A pipeline in the area broke Friday night and spewed about 30,000 gallons of sewage into the canal. The spill does not affect drinking water, officials said.

The break was repaired shortly after, but a second break was discovered in a nearby 14-inch pipe near Memorial Avenue, said Michelle Van Dyke, the county's community relations coordinator.

"That happens sometimes when you put extra pressure on other pipes," she said this morning. "It has no affect on the original spill."

The second leak spilled mostly on the ground, Van Dyke said. Repairs on that break were completed about 11 a.m.

The total spill was minor, she said. Officials estimated about 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of sewage went into the canal. By comparison, a swimming pool holds about 15,000 gallons of water.

Van Dyke said it should take about a week for the spill to dissipate.

A passer-by notified Hillsborough County Water Resource Services at about 7:20 p.m. Friday of the first break in an 8-inch sewage pipe on Gilbert Avenue near a sewage pump station.

Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144.

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