DEP determined that the Destin Water Users lift station near 2700 Scenic Highway 98 had lost power and was not operating at time of spill.

By staff report

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reported a significant wastewater spill in Destin on Sunday.

According to a DEP notice, the initial complaint came at 2:20 p.m. from a customer concerning sewage bubbling from a manhole.

DEP determined that the Destin Water Users lift station near 2700 Scenic Highway 98 had lost power and was not operating. Three manholes upstream of the station (one in the northeast area behind the park fence, one on the northeast corner of 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, and another in front of 2708 Scenic Hwy. 98) had begun spilling sewage. The lift station was put on generator power by 3:50 p.m., which stopped the overflows. The facility was back on commercial power by about 4:30 p.m.

It was estimated by DEP that about 3,000 gallons of wastewater escaped the manholes. Most of the overflow occurred on the north side and was contained in a storm swale area.

Crews were able to pump the area and lime all overflow areas. Cleanup was completed at all sites by 5:30 p.m. DEP stated in its notice that no wastewater entered any bodies of water.