Health Officials Test Water After Tampa Bay Sewage Spill
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ST. PETERSBURG (CBSMiami) -- Florida health officials say they are continuing to monitor the water quality after a sewage spill into Tampa Bay after Hurricane Hermine.
The department says they are conducting testing at nine beaches in Pinellas County and five beaches in Hillsborough County. Some of the beaches are near the area of the sewage spill.
Sampling conducted Monday of all of the 14 sites showed the water quality levels were either good or moderate for all locations but one.
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The department issued one advisory for Simmons Park Beach located across from St. Petersburg. Under Governor Rick Scott's direction, the Department of Health will begin additional testing at Simmons Park Beach.
The department says they are working with the city of St. Petersburg to conduct confirmatory sampling for Northshore Beach, Lassing Park and Spa Beach along with other creeks and canals in the city.
City officials say sampling taken the day after Hurricane Hermine showed "satisfactory" results in the immediate area of the spill.
Amid testing, Florida Governor Rick Scott has also directed the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate the sewage spill.
"Florida is known for our pristine environment, world-class beaches and award-winning state parks. We must do all we can to protect our environment and that is why I am directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to investigate the sewage dump that occurred in St. Petersburg following Hurricane Hermine," said Scott.
All testing results are reported on the department's website and posted here.
