Neighbors are worried about how long it will take to clean up the Riviera Bay sewage spill
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Some neighbors are concerned about how long it will take teams to clean up a sewage spill in Riviera Bay.
St. Petersburg city officials informed the public Monday that the weekend’s spill has been contained. But concerns remain on Tallahassee Drive after 10,000 gallons of sewage spilled.
“We are saddened by the neighbors who were out on the water over the weekend,” Debbie Bross said. “Now they take their kids to the doctor because they’re scared and we don’t have the answers.”
Many people found out about the issue Monday and were frustrated that the message wasn’t clearer.
“The way they delivered the message is flawed,” Byron Bates said. “There’s a lot we don’t know, not even how long it took for it to be discovered.”
The city of St. Petersburg said that emails were sent to residents and homeowners’ associations about this issue. But others believe more action is needed at a critical time, especially since the public has been exposed to raw sewage.
“We have a much bigger problem to deal with,” said Walter L. Smith, an epidemiologist and environmental engineer. “Not just among those who might eventually become ill, but there are also a greater number of people who might become ill.”
In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid contact with Riviera Bay until further notice of the water quality assessment can be completed.
