Contractor strikes 60-inch sewer pipe resulting in spill to Biscayne Bay

A contractor performing directional drilling near NE 4th Street and NE 1st Ave struck a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) 60-inch wastewater main. WASD crews stopped the spill and have secured the site and rerouted the flows.

Emergency repairs will begin as soon as possible. Due to the redundancy of the service area, no one will be without wastewater service as a result of this break or during the repairs.

It was determined that the spill has impacted surface water.

No-Swim signage, which also warns people to avoid other water recreational activities such as fishing and boating, have been posted in the following areas: the Julia Tuttle Causeway to the north, the eastern boundary of the Intracoastal Waterway for the eastern boundary, Virginia Key Beach/Dog Beach to the south and the mainland as the western boundary.

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources is testing the posted waters and the advisory remains in effect until two consecutive days of clear testing occur after repairs are completed. We will continue to communicate with the public until the advisory has been lifted.

It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers. For additional information about Department services and programs, visit the department’s website.