ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A raccoon is being blamed for shorting out power at a sanitary lift station. The city of St. Augustine tells News4Jax crews responded to a power outage at the station on Masters Dr. at 8 a.m. Saturday.
A city survey identified a manhole at the End of Florida Ave. that was overflowing into the San Sebastian River.
It was determined that the sewage was not recoverable. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was also notified of the spill.
Officials said a raccoon shorted out the station's power around 10 p.m. Friday. The sanitary sewer lift station is off Masters Dr. at the eastern terminus of Helen St.
The city said about 60,750 gallons spilled into the river. Signs notifying the public have been placed at State Road 16, U.S. 1, King Street and Florida Ave. Water sampling and testing will continue throughout Saturday evening.