The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) has lifted the advisory for Pretty Bayou and the canal feeding into it from Frankford Ave. to the Shoreline Circle Boat Ramp.
For more information, contact the DOH-Bay’s Environmental Health Department at (850) 481-4806 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.gov.
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A contractor working in the area of Highway 390 and Frankford Avenue broke a sewer force main while excavating. An estimated 31,250 gallons of sewage leaked from the broken line and entered a canal that feeds into Pretty Bayou. Powder lime was also applied to treat the surface area.
The line was broken while the contractor was working to relocate water and sewer lines along Highway 390 between 23rd Street and Baldwin Avenue. The City of Panama City hired the contractor last summer in an effort to support the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Highway 390 Expansion project.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County has issued a swimming advisory in Pretty Bayou or the canal feeding into it from Frankford Avenue to the Shoreline Circle Boat Ramp. Sewage contamination of water can expose swimmers to intestinal viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Swimming in the water may cause symptoms like food poisoning with vomiting and diarrhea. Infection is possible in open cuts and wounds that come in contact with the water.
The City will test the water and share results with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Bay County Health Department. Once levels are safe, the advisory will be lifted.
