Disinfection Effort Underway In Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Affected By Sewage Spill
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Relief is on the way for Rio Vista Residents in Fort Lauderdale where a major sewer pipe ruptured a week ago.
On Tuesday, crews began installing a specially manufactured bypass that will divert untreated sewage that has been a headache for the residents.
After the bypass is up and running, crews will get to work on fixing the broken section of pipe. A specially built piece has arrived for the permanent fix.
When the pipe unexpectedly burst last week, it sent sewer water flowing through streets and into yards and driveways.
More than a dozen Trucks have been siphoning waste water and taking it to sewage treatment centers.
But unfortunately millions of gallons of excess sewage has been diverted into the Tarpon River. The Tarpon flows into the New River, then the intracoastal and finally the ocean.
Residents said they have seen dead fish from the pollution.
Commissioner Ben Sorensen said he understands the frustration, but said the crisis underscores the commitment to get the persistent pipe problems fixed.
"We are investing $200 million into infrastructure," he said.
Sorensen said replacing old pipes is a priority and the cast iron pipe that failed was on the list for an upgrade. The city didn't get to it fast enough.
The damage had been so severe that former Mayor Jim Naugle is asking the city to put a moratorium on high-density construction.
But Sorensen said capacity isn't the issue. It's a question of aging cast iron pipes that are thinning.
"We are using ultrasound to identify the problem," he said. "And that's why we are replacing the pipes."
Sorensen said they are mapping the complex web of piping for the city.
Crews are also cleaning, disinfecting and pressure washing the affected area.
While 10 aerators continue to improve water quality of the Tarpon River and New River and three marine vessels have conducted skimming and debris removal, a precautionary advisory for recreational activities in local waterways remains in effect.
Click here to view a map of the precautionary advisory area.