A Sanitary Sewer Overflow -SSO- occurred on August 2 near 8720 Scenic Highway due to a broken sewer force main. The overflow was estimated at 11,500 gallons, of which 2,500 gallons were captured by vacuum truck and transported to an ECUA water reclamation facility for proper treatment and disposal. ECUA crews diverted an additional 24,000 gallons from the overflow point to nearby lift stations via vacuum trucks and septage haulers, preventing further spillage. In accordance with standard operating procedure, the ECUA immediately notified the Escambia County Health Department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Bacteriological sampling has been initiated.

ECUA crews repaired the main and cleaned the overflow area with a biocide agent that abated any contamination concerns, per State protocol. ECUA is currently installing a new force main to replace the aging 12-inch force main. Phase 6 of the Northeast Force Main Replacement Project is the last phase of this two-year, $7.8 million project that will replace 5,800' of this force main from Winding Lane to Addison Drive.

The replacement of this last section of force main (phase 6) remains underway, and will continue uninterrupted until the permanent line is complete and in place. The portions of the replacement that are being installed using open cut methods are complete. The remaining section in the middle requires directional boring methods due to topography, narrow right-of-way and physical obstacles that prevent open trench work. That work began on Sunday, August 3. Additionally, ECUA is redirecting flow from two upstream lift stations to different places in our system to reduce the volume and frequency that flows to this remaining section of the northeast force main while it is still in service.

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