County staff able to recover only about 2,500 gallons
On June 19, approximately 54,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled on a road in The Meadows community of Sarasota after either a mower or golf cart struck an air release valve (ARV), Sarasota County Public Utilities staff has reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
The site of the incident was 5045 Vivienda Way, the report added. That is slightly west of Honore Avenue, a map shows,
Only about 2,500 gallons of the sewage was recovered, staff said.
The spill was contained in a nearby wetland, the report noted; thus, even though no water body was affected, sampling was necessary in an effort to protect public health.
Cleanup of the site was conducted in accord with county protocols, the report continued.
As Crane Engineering explains, “Air release valves are installed at the highest points in a pipeline where air naturally collects. Air bubbles enter the valve and displace the liquid inside, lowering the liquid level. When the level drops to where it no longer buoys the float, the float drops. This motion pulls the seat away from the orifice, triggering the valve to open and vent the accumulated air into the atmosphere. As the air is vented, liquid re-enters the valve, once again buoying the float, lifting it until the seat presses against the orifice, closing the valve. This cycle automatically repeats as often as necessary to maintain an air-free system.”
The June 19 spill began at 8:30 a.m., and the situation was not resolved until 12:15 that afternoon, the report added.
The staff report to FDEP also said that county staff is trying to determine whether a mowing contractor hit the ARV, so staff could file the necessary documentation with county personnel to seek recovery of the expense of the incident.
The ARV that was damaged is part of the infrastructure associated with the county’s Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility, which stands at 5550 Lorraine Road in Sarasota. That plant is the largest of the county’s water reclamation facilities. It is undergoing a conversion to Advanced Wastewater Treatment status.