Longboat Key extension granted on sewage break penalties

The new deadline is Feb. 22.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has approved another request from the town of Longboat Key for a 30-day deadline extension on a proposed consent order that seeks $242,652.50 in civil penalties and costs after the town’s June 2020 mainland sewage line break and spill.

The FDEP has agreed to extend the town’s response to the consent order until Feb. 22. The previous deadline was Jan. 22 and that had been extended three times.

“We think it’s beneficial for both parties, because we’re waiting to hear back from them on some of the big issues we raised,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said.

Harmer said the town and its attorneys are reviewing the wording of the FDEP’s proposed consent order.