Piney Point HRK Site Response
Update: May 14, 2021
Water
quality data trends show parameters associated with the emergency discharge are
either stable or declining in concentration between sampling events. Water
quality standards are being met for all parameters sampled that have associated
water quality standards. FDEP
and EPA discontinued spilt sample collection in Tampa Bay on Friday, May 7th.
Update: April 27, 2021
The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is analyzing water quality samples collected in Tampa
Bay by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). EPA’s
analytical results of effluent sampling from the April 8th sampling
event have been posted here. These results support the two samples received from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the following locations: low-lying area on-site containing accumulated wastewater and a pipe-outfall going to the Port Manatee discharge.
Update: April 13, 2021
At this time, the
Unified Command has been demobilized as the leak has been repaired and water is
no longer being discharged from the Piney Point/HRK Holdings site. Currently,
one EPA On-Scene Coordinator remains in the area to continue providing technical and
logistical support. EPA is committed to the health and vitality of this area
and is partnering with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) to perform sampling and analysis of the water in Tampa Bay. To date, EPA
has received two samples from FDEP taken from the following locations: a
low-lying area on-site containing accumulated wastewater and a
pipe-outfall going to the Port Manatee discharge. EPA anticipates coordinating
additional monitoring support with FDEP over the coming days and will provide
information as it becomes available.
As we work to
learn more information about the impact to water quality, we will work closely
with FDEP to identify long-term strategies for ensuring the health of the Bay.
FDEP continues to lead activities related to the site and is posting the latest
information here.
All media inquiries should be sent to region4press@epa.gov
Background:
On March 25, 2021, HRK Holdings LLC found evidence of a leak in a line compartment of a phosphogypsum stack at the site. Over the last few days, actions have been taken to remove the water to prevent a catastrophic breach.
Update: April 6, 2021
Administrator Regan transmitted the following letter to Governor Ron DeSantis offering additional EPA support here.
EPA Response Actions
The state is continuing to safely remove excess water from the NGS-South cell as to safely control the release. The state requested engineering support from EPA; this request is being facilitated through EPA’s Environmental Response Team.
EPA is working closely with local, state, and federal partners as the agency focuses on responding to the impacts of the Piney Point HRK site response. On-Scene coordinators from EPA’s Region 4 are providing operational and logistical planning/coordination. Discussions regarding current site activities and future response actions are continuous and no unmet needs have been identified.
EPA continues to closely coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the response activities at this site. We also remain in communication with Governor DeSantis’ office. FDEP is posting the latest information on site status and their response here.
All media inquiries should be sent to region4press@epa.gov.
