Unusual Bird Deaths Linked To Sewage Spills

Sewage contamination in Florida’s Boca Ciega Bay appears to be killing off dozens upon dozens of birds.

“On Aug. 8, after weeks of heavy rains, Gulfport dumped more than 300,000 gallons of sewage into Boca Ciega Bay. Four days later, the first dead black skimmer was found on the beach. A few weeks later, Tropical Storm Hermine dumped even more rain on Pinellas County,” WTSP reported.

“Then on Sept. 2, Gulfport dumped close to another 900,000 gallons of sewage. More than 45 birds have been found dead and some environmental activists worry it could be because of the raw sewage in the water,” the report said.

Dead birds found along the shore have locals questioning the link to sewage. The birds, known as black skimmers, have been taken to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute for investigation.

"This is the first time I have ever seen anything like this in Florida," said Elizabeth Forys, a professor of environmental science and biology, per the Tampa Bay Times.

"Every single one of them have died or showed the presentation of dying in a convulsive state," said Lorraine Margeson, a 15-year volunteer with the Florida Shorebird Alliance, per WFTS.

Sewage problems in the area are unlikely to improve any time soon.

“The sewage issue could worsen as the region grapples with the amount of waste that was spilled onto streets and waterways. St. Petersburg officials on Monday estimated that the city dumped about 70 million gallons of sewage into the waters of Tampa Bay. That brings the official total that local cities and counties dumped to 135.1 million gallons — a number that continues to rise,” the Tampa Bay Times reported.

A 2013 report from the American Society of Civil Engineers said Florida has $19.6 billion in wastewater infrastructure needs over the next two decades.

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