Tarpon Springs' Sinkhole Repair May Take Months

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — Fixing a giant sinkhole that managed to threaten homes and break utility lines when it opened is not an overnight process.

That’s the word from the City of Tarpon Springs nearly a week after a sinkhole opened up on Mango Street near the Tarpon Shores Mobile Home Park and U.S. 19. The hole, initially measured at 60 feet across and 35 feet in depth, remained open on Monday as work continued to pump out several thousand gallons of wastewater that made its way into the depression.

As of Monday, the city anticipated wastewater removal would be completed by Wednesday, April 6. Once the water has been drained, work will begin to fill in the hole. That work should take about two weeks, the city wrote in a Monday update. When the fill is completed, a four-week settling period has to be allowed for before geologic testing and grouting can begin. That leg of the repair is expected to tack on another two weeks to the process. Once a green light is given following testing, road repairs can begin, the city said. They should also last about two weeks.

The sinkhole also damaged two sewer lines and a water line when it opened March 30. The city and Pinellas County are currently determining if it would be best to relocate those lines. Should that decision be made, utility line replacement work will coincide with the sinkhole repair, the city said.

As repair work continues, nearby Olympic Plaza remains under a boil water notice.

A total of seven nearby homes were evacuated shortly after the sinkhole opened. The city reported Monday that evacuation orders only remain in place for three of those homes. Two are currently vacant and the third belongs to a seasonal resident, who has since relocated back north, the city said.

No further information is available at this time.

Photo courtesy of the City of Tarpon Springs

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