HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The cleanup continued Monday after a 48-inch sewage line ruptured last week in Hollywood, creating a smelly and unsanitary situation in a neighborhood.
Crews scrubbed, sprayed and scoured the streets and nearly everything surrounding the area where the line ruptured Wednesday, near Taft Street and Interstate 95. The city contracted with Everglades Waste Removal to sanitize about 24 properties along North 31 Road.
The reeking waste rolled over more than 20 back yards and around the nearby YMCA. After repairing the ruptured line, crews continued Monday to work to clean up and sanitize the area. One lawn was so badly contaminated that some of the soil had to be removed.
As the cleanup continued, the atmosphere was improving in the area.
"It doesn't smell too bad," said resident Christine Mick.
City officials said crews are aerating the C-10 canal, collecting debris in case it was affected by the spill and inspecting the canal system to collect dead fish and other marine life.
Taft Street remains closed between North 31 Road and the eastside driveway of the YMCA. City officials said people can still access the Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center and nearby businesses from the east.
Rotary Park and the YMCA remain closed. City representatives said YMCA child care programs have been relocated to city facilities.
The city of Hollywood announced Monday that it will host three community meetings to update residents on the status of the cleanup. The meetings will be held at the following times and places:
Meeting For Park East Residents
Park East Civic Association
Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center shuffleboard courts meeting room
2030 Polk St.
7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21
Meeting For North Central Residents
North Central Civic Association
Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center
2030 Polk St.
7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 22
Meeting For Residents Who Live Along C-10 Canal, Adjacent Finger Canals
Hollywood City Hall, Room 219 (City Commission chambers)
7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29