The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on March 29 agreed to allow an emergency release of wastewater from the phosphogypsum stack at the long-idled Piney Point Phosphate Plant. FDEP took the action after being warned of a leak by site manger HRK Holdings on March 26 that process water was bypassing the wastewater management system and making its way into Piney Point Creek, which runs into Tampa Bay.
HRK further notified FDEP on March 28 that a boil (upwelling of water) was observed at the foot of the gypstack. At this time, the cause of the leak is believed to likely be a liner tear. FDEP said there is no evidence of a sinkhole or geological abnormality.
On March 30, HRK began its controlled discharges to Port Manatee as part of its efforts to ensure the structural integrity of the water management system at the Piney Point site. FDEP said that its Emergency Final Order, allowing the discharge, only authorizes discharges at an amount necessary to ensure stabilization.Discharges are at a rate of an estimated 10,000-13,000 gallons per minute.
FDEP said its staff have been on site to observe ongoing activities to contain leakage and the controlled emergency discharge.
Environmental groups objected to the release, citing fears that wastewater could spur an algal bloom or add cadmium to Tampa Bay.