200,000-Gallon Rocky Creek Wastewater Spill Prompts Warnings

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County is asking folks to steer clear of water in Rocky Creek following a Friday evening accident that resulted in a spill of an estimated 200,000 gallons of wastewater. The warning extends to the part of the creek that meets up with Tampa Bay, as well.

According to Hillsborough County Public Utilities, the spill occurred Friday evening when a contractor for the public utilities department was working to install a bypass around a malfunctioning value located in the area behind the 7000 block of Danewood Court. As the work was under way, the bypass piping broke, causing the spill, an email from the county said.

The spill began around 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and continued for about three hours. The pipe that broke is part of the River Oaks wastewater treatment plant collection system.

The county estimates about 200,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into the water before the flow could be capped off. County staff members and the contractor were able to make full repairs by 1 a.m. Saturday, the email noted.

“Residents are urged not to fish, wade or swim in Rocky Creek or the area where the creek flows into Tampa Bay for the next few days and to avoid coming in contact with the water while boating or doing other activities,” the county’s email warned.

The line break did not impact tap water, the county stressed.

Warning signs have been posted at the discharge point and near creek crossings, the county said. Local and state environmental agencies have also been notified.

It is unclear at this time how long the warning might remain in place.

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