DNA test finds traces of human feces near Bayshore Gardens. Sewage break not being blamed

DNA testing sent to an independent lab in Miami to determine if there was still human feces present in and around the site of a 26-million-gallon sewage spill along the shoreline of Sarasota Bay indicates no signs — with one exception.

“A human source was detected, but too small to quantify, at a station 2.5 miles away near the Bayshore Gardens area,” a press release stated from the town of Longboat Key. “In the opinion of our consultant and in relation to all other tests and observations made to date, this detection is unrelated to the leak event and is more likely related to a localized source.”

In a letter to town officials, the consultants, Environmental Science Associates, reported that the presence of feces near Bayshore Gardens, along with high levels of bacteria, “are due to a combination of natural sources, along with a potential impact from nearby houses that could be leaking effluent from their waste collections systems.”

The samples sent for DNA testing were collected on July 15, two full weeks after the town’s only sewer mainline that runs underneath the bay was determined to be leaking, and repaired on June 30. It took the town almost two weeks to determine there was an issue and the leak likely began around June 17 but was undetected.

Town officials not disclosed a reason for the break, “But forensic evaluations into the cause and extent of the force main leak are ongoing,” the release states.

All other tests near the spill site, which occurred just 350 feet from the bay within a dense mangrove system on Longbar Pointe, did not show any signs of human feces, nor did tests taken along the route of the sewer line.

Dissipation of the sewage was expected given the natural filtration system of the mangroves and tidal surges. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection continues to investigate and is awaiting further data from the town. DEP has pledged accountability and the town could still face heavy financial penalties depending on the outcome of the investigation.

However, for now, “It appears that the impact to surface waters was temporary, most likely due to tidal flushing and the filtration from the large amounts of mangroves in that area,” said DEP spokeswoman Shannon Herbon.