Stormwater May Be Contaminated, County Warns

The Embassy Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant in Port Richey has discharged some of its treated flow into the stormwater system, and folks are being asked to avoid contact with standing water and flowing stormwater, according to Pasco County officials.

Flooding due to Tropical Storm Debby continues to be a problem, resulting in  “excessive amount of stormwater entering Pasco's sanitary sewer system,” county spokesman Eric Keaton said.

The flooding has been reported in several areas, including yards and roads. The water overwhelmed the capacity of the Embassy Hills plant, Keaton wrote in a news release.

At 5 p.m., the plant discharged a portion of its flow, which is treated with a disinfectant, into the stormwater system.

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is aware of the situation and the County will monitor the discharge,” Keaton writes. “Citizens are advised to avoid contact with standing or flowing stormwater as is may contain contaminants. “