After Hurricane Helene: Nature’s powerful surge, not sewage!

PUNTA GORDA – Surge, not sewage, was released into Charlotte Harbor following the effects of Hurricane Helene, according to the City of Punta Gorda. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection initially reported that 1.6 million gallons of “raw sewage” escaped from the city’s master pump station, raising alarms among local residents. However, city officials insist that what truly occurred was an overwhelming influx of stormwater rather than any failure of their wastewater treatment system.

Watch FOX 4’s Alex Orenczuk report on the City of Punta Gorda’s response to an FDEP notice of pollution:

City of Punta Gorda: Surge not sewage released after Hurricane Helene

On Thursday, a pollution notice submitted to the FDEP by Utility Supervisor David Brooks indicated a wastewater release from Sept. 26-29. The release was attributed to storm surge, with a cautionary statement about its potential impacts on the Charlotte Harbor.

Officials, however, clarified the incident after queries from FOX 4. Assistant City Manager Melissa Reichert emphasized that no actual sewage was released—only stormwater that surged into the wastewater facility.