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sewer system

Public gets another shot at suggesting fixes to St. Pete’s ‘Sewer-gate’

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

It’s a crisis that’s become something of a boondoggle — and, moreover, a public health issue. Now St. Petersburg’s overwhelmed and dilapidated sewer system is again at the forefront as officials held another round of public discussions in the costly and complex issue of best to go about fixing the problem. The topic of the evening, as reported by The Tampa Bay Times, a 12-page consent order written by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – faulting city officials when…

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St. Pete schedules second session to discuss sewer plant improvements

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St. Petersburg has scheduled a second informational meeting to discuss proposed improvements to the Southwest Water Reclamation Facility and the 31st Street Sports Complex. The meetings are designed to inform residents about a proposal to drill wells at both facilities to increase the storage capacity for reclaimed water. An increased storage capacity will help handle the increase in water during storms and help prevent overflows. Last year, the city dumped thousands of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage into…

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Improvements to St. Pete sewage system begin

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Work to line aging sanitary sewer collection mains and city sewer laterals began Monday in the Bahama Shores and Coquina Key neighborhoods. Part of Mayor Rick Kriseman‘s infrastructure plan, the $3.2 million lining project will help extend the life of sanitary sewer mains and prevent groundwater infiltration from entering the city’s sewage collection system. Depending on the weather, the project is expected to be completed by September. St. Petersburg’s sewer system became the focus of controversy last year after the city…

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Environmental groups sue Gulfport over sewage overflows

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Three environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit this week alleging the city of Gulfport is in violation of the Clean Water Act for discharging raw sewage and other pollutants into Clam Bayou and Tampa and Boca Ciega bays without a permit. They are asking, among other things, that the judge levy civil fines against Gulfport of up to $37,500 per day per violation for violations occurring from Jan. 12, 2009, to Nov. 2, 2015. They’re also asking for civil penalties…

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St. Pete hires communications manager for public works

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

St. Petersburg has taken some hard hits recently over two sewage spills, the condition of the city’s sewer system and investigations into the public works department. To get more positive stories out, the city has hired a communications director for the public works department. He will earn $90,000 a year. Bill Logan joined the Public Works Administration staff this week and was introduced to city council members Thursday. “He will be a great addition to our staff,” public works administrator…

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Jack Latvala open to state aid for homeowners needing sewer fixes

in The Bay and the 'Burg by

State lawmakers had harsh words for St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman during a meeting Wednesday to discuss sewage overflows. “I caution you on anymore overflows,” state Rep. Kathleen Peters, a Republican who represents House District 69 in the Florida Legislature. “Please be Superman and make sure there is not another overflow.” Kriseman had just given members of the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation an update on the progress St. Petersburg has made to solving sewage woes. During two tropical storms this…

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Rick Kriseman unveils wastewater improvement plan

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St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman on Thursday unveiled a $304-million, five-year plan to solve the city’s wastewater woes. “Our residents and our environment have been failed by an outdated and compromised wastewater system,” Kriseman said. “It is time to execute this plan so that we are well-prepared for a future of extreme rain events.” The plan calls for an estimated investment of $304 million on projects through 2021. Some of this money has already been budgeted; the plan will require…

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