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Wastewater from Busch Gardens sinkhole could end up in Tampa Bay, but experts aren't worried

When it comes to large community impacts, experts say it's highly unlikely.

TAMPA, Florida — An investigation is underway after millions of gallons of wastewater spilled into a sinkhole that opened up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Experts are weighing in on the environmental impacts this could have for the area.

Let's start with addressing drinking water. 

Nicholas Albergo who works as a professor of civil and environmental engineering at USF said there's no impact. Albergo explained people who live in that area drink off of the city water and not well water. 

"It doesn’t pose a threat to the surrounding area because we get our drinking water from a much deeper depth," Albergo said.

The next concern is the wastewater getting into Tampa Bay. Some experts explained it’s possible the wastewater could make its way from Busch Gardens into the bay.

"That slope underground does go towards Tampa Bay and towards the river," said Dr. Philip Van Beynen, professor at USF School of Geosciences.

The good news is by the time the water makes it into the bay – if it gets there – it will be diluted. 

"It won’t be the water from the pond anymore. That water is going to be diluted millions of times," Albergo said.

Still, 2.5 million of gallons of wastewater drained underground, which is not good. When it comes to large community impacts, experts say it's highly unlikely. 

"I would imagine it won’t be a big environmental issue," Van Beynen said.

Experts said the best way to move forward is to fill the sinkhole with liquid concrete. 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is investigating and taking water samples. It's unclear how they plan to move forward at this point. 

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