PALM BAY, Fla. – The city of Palm Bay says it’s coordinating with state officials and expects to pay “modest” fines, if any, following a wastewater spill that released more than 1 million gallons of sewage into the environment.
In a statement issued Thursday, a city spokesperson recalled the June 8 wastewater force main break near Turkey Creek. Containment and cleanup continued through June 15, what the spokesperson said included soil removal, turbidity booms, skimming of solids and full site restoration.
Out of more than 3 million gallons of wastewater spilled, 1.19 million gallons wound up released into the environment, according to the city.
“Water quality monitoring was conducted in partnership with regulatory agencies, and no impacts occurred to the City’s drinking water supply,” Palm Bay Public Information Officer Christina Born said in a statement. The city’s utilities department will request $1.12 million from its Renewal & Replacement Fund to cover the cost of emergency repairs and restoration, she added.
Palm Bay is otherwise coordinating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and, while any potential fines are expected to be modest, the city has reportedly requested “the opportunity to work with the community on a water quality project in lieu of payment,” Born said.
Moving forward, the City is committed to strengthening its infrastructure resilience through expanded inspection programs, investment in new technologies, stronger regional partnerships, and an emergency contract for large-scale repairs. We are equally committed to ensuring that communications during future events are as broad, timely, and inclusive as possible.
Palm Bay Public Information Officer Christina Born statement 9/4/2025 (excerpt)
Ahead of Thursday night’s city council meeting, some residents reacted to footing the bill.
Marcia Carrothers noted the pipe that broke was installed crooked.
“Don’t they look into some of these things,” she asked. “Don’t they know what’s going on with the maintenance?”
Orletta Vincente called the incident sad and disappointing because it affected a lot of people, but said she trusts the city will do better in the future.
“They’re gonna be making sure that things are better the next time around,” she said. “And they’re gonna make sure that this doesn’t happen again, or try to not let it happen again.”
Carrothers said she doesn’t think its fair for residents to have to pay for the problem.
“Not a million dollars, that’s for sure,” she said.