ST. PETERSBURG, FL (January 18, 2017) – St. Petersburg Public Works employees have collected 15 dead or dying pelicans since January 12. They’ve also stepped up to assist in the investigation as what’s making the birds so sick, working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, local rescue groups and learning institutions.
Since Stormwater, Pavement, and Traffic Operations Director John Norris and his crews responded to fish kill in a retention pond earlier this month near Riviera Bay, St. Petersburg Public Works staffers have assisted with everything from gathering water samples to sign placement – warning residents and recreational water users of the enhanced testing.
“The good news is that the water is in good shape,” said John Palenchar, Interim Water Resources Director. “We are continuing with follow-up sampling and data sharing with FWC and our environmental consultant.”
A reminder from the FWC: Citizens observing sick or dead birds or other wildlife are encouraged to make an online bird mortality report or to call FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline at 1-800-636-0511.
The City of St. Petersburg is continually updating our water quality samples and posting the information through the “Recreational Water Quality” tab at www.stpete.org/waterquality.php.
Further findings will be updated as they become available both at www.stpete.org and through @StPetePW.