Manatee County residents report sewage seeping out of manholes

Residents reported sewage flowing out of manholes on Cinco de Mayo in Manatee County.

The Manatee County Utilities Department responded to reports of wastewater gurgling up manholes on 14th Street West and 53rd Avenue West in Bradenton at about 5:45 p.m. on May 5.

Staff found the issue was caused by a grease mat in a nearby lift station that prevented floats from operating property, resulting in discharge from five different manholes. About 1,550 gallons of wastewater was discharged before county staff broke up the grease mat and manually turned the lift station pumps on.

“It is important to remind residents and visitors to refrain from dumping fats, oils and grease down the drain because it can lead to clogs like this,” Manatee County Spokesman Bill Logan said.

He added there is legislation being developed in Congress called the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act, also known as the WIPPES Act, aimed at requiring a “do not flush” label on packaging for certain products to help prevent wastewater system issues such as the one experienced in Manatee County on Cinco de Mayo.

County staff rinsed the asphalt and sidewalks with potable water, and standing water was vacuumed out of storm drain boxes and stormwater lines. The inside of a nearby pawn shop was also cleaned up. County officials estimate that about 75% of the spill was recovered.

Some raw wastewater entered storm water drains adjacent to the overflowing manholes. Wastewater compliance staff will conduct sampling for fecal coliform and enterococcus to determine the extent of the impact on surface waters of the state.