Permanent Repairs Begin On Ruptured Fort Lauderdale Sewer Line
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Repairs have begun on a damaged pipe that caused a major sewage spill in an upscale Fort Lauderdale neighborhood.
The massive sewer line broke last week in the Rio Vista neighborhood.
Residents have been dealing with a stench, detours, and pollution for almost a week and are waiting for it to be over.
"I think when you wait twenty years to replace something that should have been replaced twenty years ago and you find the parts aren't available anymore this is the result," said resident Patricia Turner.
The parts needed to begin the repair arrived from Texas sooner than expected and have been delivered to the site.
Meantime, workers have been cleaning streets, swales, and storm drains soiled by discharge from the break.
But millions of gallons of sewer water have spilled into the Tarpon River and that continues 10 aerators are operating in the tarpon River and New River to help improve water quality by improving oxygen levels in the water, increasing circulation, breaking down organic matter in the discharge, and helping to control odor.
Three marine vessels are conducting skimming and debris removal on the waterways in the affected area.
"I'm a boater and I love the water and to see raw sewage being pumped into the city, it hurts a lot," says former Mayor Jim Naugle.
Naugle says the disaster demands radical action from city leaders.
"I'm asking them to consider a moratorium on high-density development. When all of those people flush this is what happens. And the sewer system was never designed for density approved at this level," he said.
A precautionary advisory for recreational activities in local waterways remains in effect.
The boundaries are Broward Boulevard to the north, Poinciana Drive to the east, SE 15 Street to the south, and SW 18 Avenue to the west.
Residents and businesses should avoid swimming, fishing, jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing, or engaging in any water-related activities within these boundaries.