US Florida Toxic Wastewater Spill Threat... State of Emergency Declared

Cracks in Reservoir Wall Storing Wastewater from Old Insanyeom Phosphate Factory

The area under evacuation order due to concerns over the collapse of a wastewater reservoir wall located in Manatee County, Florida, USA (inside the black line) [Image source: Screenshot from Manatee County government website]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The state of Florida in the United States has declared a state of emergency and evacuated residents due to concerns over the collapse of a reservoir storing toxic wastewater.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on the 4th (local time) that efforts are underway to transfer wastewater amid fears that a toxic wastewater storage reservoir in Manatee County could collapse, according to AP News.

Governor DeSantis issued an emergency evacuation order for about 300 households near the reservoir. He stated, "We are taking all necessary measures to prepare for the worst-case wastewater flood scenario."

A Manatee County official said, "If the reservoir wall collapses, up to 340 million gallons (approximately 1.28 billion liters) of wastewater could spill out," adding, "There is a possibility of flooding up to 6 meters high." AP News reported that concerns over the collapse have increased as parts of the reservoir wall deformed over the weekend.

Earlier, on the 2nd, cracks were detected in the problematic reservoir. This reservoir stores compound wastewater discharged from a former phosphate production plant. Florida issued an evacuation order for nearby residents immediately after the cracks were discovered and declared a state of emergency on the 3rd.

A Manatee County official stated, "The transfer of wastewater is proceeding smoothly," and "We expect the risk of collapse to be significantly reduced starting from the 6th." He added, "Even if the reservoir wall collapses, there is no possibility of contamination of Lake Manatee, the main drinking water source in the nearby area."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.