Miami-Dade Sewage Spill Contained But Swimming Advisory In Effect

SUNNY ISLES, FL — A massive sewage spill in Miami-Dade County that reached 1.6 million gallons has been contained but a swimming and boating advisory will remain in effect, according to county officials.

The Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department said over the weekend that its emergency contractor successfully installed a suction device that captures sewage escaping from a two-inch by three-inch leak from a 48-inch wastewater pipe. The sewage has been rerouted into a sanitary sewer system.

"This temporary fix permits contractors to continue to work on the installation of the by-pass line, which will isolate the damaged portion of the wastewater pipe for a permanent repair,"
said county officials. "WASD staff continues to request that residents in the cities of Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach and North Miami Beach to conserve water to decrease impact to the wastewater system."

Residents and visitors in some of the county's northern-most beach communities have been urged to avoid swimming, fishing, boating and other water-based recreational activities. The break happened on Aug. 11 near 2500 NE 163 St.

County officials have said they were unable to turn off the flow to the broken wastewater line because it would impact sewer service to the cities of Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach and the Eastern Shores community of North Miami Beach. The line transports wastewater west to the North District Wastewater Treatment Plant.

"The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources are testing the posted waters and the advisory remains in effect until two consecutive days of clear testing occur after repairs are completed," county officials explained.

The boundaries of the advisory include Maule Lake to the north, the Intracoastal to the east; Haulover Inlet (including the Haulover Beach just north of the inlet) to the south and the mainland to the west.

Other affected areas include Greynolds Park, Oleta River State Park and beach as well as the beaches located 500 feet to the north and south of the Haulover Inlet and the beach located in the City of Bal Harbour just south of the Haulover Inlet.

Officials said signage has been posted in the affected areas. The advisory will remain in effect until two consecutive days of clear testing occur after repairs are completed.

For more information, visit the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department website.