An after-action review of a previously undiscovered leak has produced an estimate that as much as 273,600 gallons of untreated wastewater may have flowed into a tributary of the New River over the last two weeks.
A resident of Bayshore Estates reported a strong smell to City of Jacksonville Utilities Division. An onsite investigation about 12:30PM Wednesday, February 27, 2019, revealed a very slow leak in a 30-inch wastewater pipe some distance away from where the smell was reported. Jacksonville crews quickly moved to bypass the leak after the discovery, which stopped any flow into the Thompson School Creek.
Repairs were undertaken, and with more investigation, it was determined that the leak could have been undiscovered for about two weeks before the Citizen call.
The 30-inch pipe is a major line that delivers wastewater from an adjacent area to the Wilson Bay Pump Station.
Authorities have now reviewed the potential impact of the slow leak, believing that over time a very small leak became a larger leak before the discovery. As a result of the review, the estimate of 273,600 gallons has been made as the potential quantity of wastewater that spilled. The State Division of Water Quality has been notified of the potential quantity and City crews will follow State standards and advice for remediation in the area. City water quality technicians are also monitoring the situation.