Statement from Public Works:

After finding sick dead Pelicans in parts of the city, crews have begun testing waters in and around Coffee Pot Bayou and Riviera Bay. Initial findings from the tests -- initiated last week and over the holiday weekend -- have shown no abnormalities.

“From all we’ve seen, the water there is in good shape,” said Interim Water Resources Director John Palenchar. “But we will continue testing, and so the signs will stay up for awhile.”

Warnings for recreational water users about the dead pelicans (first seen at a retention pond near Riviera Bay after a cold-weather inversion fish kill last Wednesday and Thursday, then over the past weekend in and around Coffee Pot Bayou) were posted along the shore line from North Shore Park through Coffee Pot Bayou and areas adjacent to Weedon Island. The signs informed residents about the enhanced and cooperative testing being spearheaded by the City of St. Petersburg and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The City has also brought in an independent biologist to further study what’s causing the birds to be sick.

Initial water samples from the retention pond where the sick birds were first encountered showed low levels of dissolved oxygen. Samples from nearby Riviera Bay and waters further south into Coffee Pot Bayou had normal levels of oxygen. In addition, the other tested elements fell within normal parameters for recreational waterways.

“We will continue to work with the FWCC and our independent partners to pinpoint the problem,” said Palenchar, who was quick to add that while some have mistakenly tried to tie this incident to the discharge of partially treated sewage last summer, “this has nothing to do with that.”

To reiterate: The sick pelicans have had no impact from any sewage discharge months ago. There have been no discharges of any sort that could have brought about any reactions like this from these birds.

However, the City of St. Petersburg is committed to finding out what is going on with regard to the pelicans and we will continue to keep everyone updated.
The latest information can be found at:
http://www.stpete.org/water/waterquality.php.

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If you think for any reason that the issue you submitted in the past might still be unresolved, please feel free to submit a new report with the SeeClickFix St. Pete website and we will make sure the issue is directed to the appropriate City department to be addressed as soon as possible.

Thank you again - Sincerely,
Mayor's Action Center