Longboat Key estimates 11 million gallons spilled in June’s sewage break

The estimate is lower than what the town initially reported to the state.

It appears the town of Longboat Key’s June sewage break was not as large as initially expected.

Independent contractor Berkeley Research Group estimated the leak from June 17-30 was about 11 million gallons. BRG’s estimation is lower than the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s estimate of 17 million gallons spilled and lower still than the town’s initial estimate of 25.8 million gallons.

“Estimates of volume through irregular openings is not an exact science,” BRG engineer Donald Olmstead wrote in a five-page report to the town. “Therefore, the flows calculated herein should be considered as a reasonable estimate subject to modification based on unknown or additional information or materials not considered at the time of the estimate.”

A news release from Town Manager Tom Harmer’s office says BRG’s preliminary report is subject to internal and external peer review before it is finalized.