LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland officials say likely more than 1,000 gallons of wastewater have spilled onto city-owned land as a result of a wastewater force main break.
The 12-inch wastewater main break was identified on Monday in a remote wetland about 1,500 square feet northeast of 5001 Gateway Boulevard. The water main services industrial customers in that area.
The spill appears to be contained on about 100 acres of land that is "not easily accessible" to the public, a city spokesperson said in a statement. Crews had to use heavy equipment to gain access to the area and confirm the source of the spill.
Officials from Lakeland, Polk County and other state agencies say they were first made aware of "an unusual petroleum odor by the Carillon Lakes community" weeks ago. The agencies then worked together to identify the smell, which led to the discovery of the wastewater main break.
An emergency contractor responded to the area and successfully installed line stops and a 4,000-foot bypass line by 11:10 p.m. Wednesday to control the spill.
The city is working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ensure all appropriate remediation actions are taken.