HomeMy Public PortalAbout20130702_EPDLetter.docxGeorgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division
Coastal District
400 Commerce Center Drive
Brunswick, Ga. 31523-8251
ATTN: Mr. Steve Fox
RE: Jones Ave. and 10th Street Spill
2 July, 2013
Dear Mr. Fox:
The City of Tybee Island had a sewer force main burst and leak at the corner of 10th St. and Jones Ave on June 30th at around 10:30am. From the time of the spill being reported to its
being repaired was approximately six hours. There was a temporary repair done on June 30th, and a company was contracted to do a more permanent repair, which was completed on July 1st.
This same company was contracted to replace at least 2,800 feet of the sewer line, or more, if necessary. Using the volume of the Lift Station, factoring in that it comes on twice each
hour, and the volume of 2,800 feet of pipe, an estimated total of 90,677 gallons was spilled into the marsh. I reported earlier a total of 25,000 gallons but was in error. This was
done to get a report to the EPD in a timely fashion.
I have initiated testing, which will be done for a period of 7 days, for the following parameters: dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria. The enterococci
samples are being sent to Spectrum Labs in Savannah. I will report these results as they are sent to me. The other results can be sent to you on daily basis, if required.
The area where the spill occurred was cleaned up as much as possible, and lime was applied. Signs stating that a spill occurred at this site were posted at the spill site, as well as
at the bridge at the end of Miller Avenue. I am attaching results from our first day of testing, and a copy of the signs that were posted.
The spill was reported to the Chatham County Health Department and will be reported to the local newspaper and television stations today. If there are any questions, please feel free
to contact me.
Thank you,
Stanley C. Bearden CC: City Manager
Wastewater Superintendent CC: George Reese
Ph. 912-472-5053 Ph. 912-472-5051
sbearden@cityoftybee.org greese@cityoftybee.org