Crews contain sewer leak on Gulfstream Avenue

Utilities crews are repairing a 20-inch forcemain at 34 S. Gulfstream Avenue after it began to leak at 2:30 a.m. City staff is not sure at this time what caused the forcemain to break.

The sewer line had been tagged by the city’s Utilities Division for replacement this year.

Responding crews immediately created an earthen dam to prevent flow into the stormwater system and discharge into Sarasota Bay. The spill was contained by 7 a.m. It is estimated, however, that 40,000 gallons of sewer water may have reached the bay prior to the containment. Environmental tests already are being conducted.

The flow is contained and is being diverted into pumper trucks and taken to the wastewater treatment plant. Specialized equipment is being transported from Hollywood to assist with the repair. Crews will work around the clock to fix the line.

The broken line is scheduled to be replaced this current fiscal year. Design plans are nearly complete and the contract bid process will begin soon. The replacement is part of an ongoing effort to add more resources to an aging infrastructure system. The City Commission recently allocated $15 million over 10 years to the comprehensive project with forcemains and lift stations receiving the highest priority.

Regulatory agencies were notified, including the Sarasota County Health Department, which will receive updates. Health advisory signs are now posted in the area.

For more information contact Utilities Director Javier Vargas at 955-2325, ext. 6210.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].