FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: September 14, 2001
DEP
Increases Efforts to Expedite Notification of Wastewater Spills
Tallahassee – The
Department of Environmental Protection announced today a massive
effort to promote the prompt notification of wastewater spills by
facilities throughout Florida. In a second letter mailed to all of
Florida’s wastewater facilities this week, DEP again encouraged
facilities to report spills using the toll-free, 24-hour hotline
established by the agency and the State Warning Point last
November. Although wastewater facilities are required by law to
notify the state of spills within 24 hours, the Department is
focusing on efforts and procedures that further reduce the time
between spills and notification by the facility.
"The 24-hour hotline
is essential for streamlining the process and increasing
protection for the environment," said Mimi Drew, Director of
DEP’s Division of Water Resource Management. "The quicker
we know about the spill, the quicker we can respond with the
appropriate action."
The letter, mailed to
nearly 8000 operators, owners and permit-holders of wastewater
facilities, encourages the use of the centralized reporting
system. The State Warning Point, which is operated by the
Department of Community Affairs and the State Emergency Operations
Center, immediately notifies DEP staff of spill reports.
"This is another
example of government agencies working together to provide
efficient and responsive service to the citizens of Florida,"
said DEP’s Deputy Secretary Allan Bedwell. "No matter when
a spill occurs – at night, on the weekend or on a holiday –
facilities throughout the state can report it quickly and easily
using the centralized 24-hour, toll-free hotline."
On average, the State
Warning Point receives two wastewater spill notifications a day.
In many cases, spills are caused by road construction, storms or
other factors beyond the control of the wastewater facility.
Nearly two-thirds have been spills of less than 10,000 gallons,
far less than the volume of a typical backyard swimming pool. More
than 95% of all spills are handled quickly, which minimizes
negative impact.
DEP staff follow-up on
all spill reports and work with the facility to initiate any
necessary clean-up. The DEP also works with local health agencies
to ensure that appropriate public health warnings are issued
immediately. DEP’s primary compliance efforts are to prevent
spills by ensuring facilities are properly constructed, operated
and maintained. Wastewater spills should be reported to the State
Warning Point at (800) 320-0519.
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