Public Notice of Pollution

Notice of Submission
Pursuant to Section 403.077, F.S., the Department of Environmental Protection has received the following Public Notice of Pollution for a reportable release. All information displayed was submitted by the reporting party.

Type of Notice: Initial Report
Date of Notice: 05/12/2021

Incident Information
Name of Incident: West Lakeland Wasteload Reduction Facility Overflow
State Watch Office Case Number: 20212499
Start of Incident: 05/12/2021 04:40
End of Incident: 05/12/2021 06:30

Incident Description
On 5/12/2021 at 4:42 am, the West Lakeland Wasteload Reduction Facility lost power. The incoming utility power experienced a failure that caused the primary utility power breakers to trip. The emergency backup generator attempted to run but turned off after the voltage monitoring system detected utility power. When the transfer switch went back to utility power, the breakers would again trip once the utility power attempted and failed to run the facility. Due to an unusual situation with the utility power, the voltage monitoring system thought that adequate voltage was present, but underload there was a low voltage situation. This occurred several times. Once operators arrived at the facility, they placed the plant in bypass at 6:00 am to stop the spill. The resulting spill was estimated at 40,000 gallons. The discharge had already received biological treatment and secondary clarification. The spill was contained on-site. The spill flowed down the driveway into an artificial concrete retention pond. The City of Lakeland assumed all cleanup responsibilities. Our cleanup response included the application of calcium hydroxide to the affected soil along the driveway and pumping out the lined retention pond into a sanitary sewer for treatment.

Incident Location
Facility/Installation Name: West Lakeland Wasteload Reduction Facility
Address Line 1: 3000 Old Tampa Hwy
Address Line 2:
Directions:
City: Lakeland
State: FL
Zip Code: 33803
Coordinates (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 28.028077068009843, Long: -82.0071362694159
Click to view Incident Location
Impacted Counties: Polk


Incident Reported By
Name: Kirk Boulerice
Title: Manager of Wastewater Treatment
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