HRK Holdings

A federal judge has ruled in favor of several environmental groups that sued the Piney Point phosphate plant. Hundreds of millions of gallons of polluted water flowed into Tampa Bay following a leak there in 2021.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says it's to "ensure safe storage capacities" during the rainy season.

Controlled releases of treated water may begin if levels in the ponds at the former phosphate plant continue to rise, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The state is seeking the maximum allowable penalties and recovery of costs and damages from HRK Holdings.

Emergency pumps have been installed to combat heavy rain and winds from the storm.

An emergency order issued in April by Florida's Department of Environmental Protection expired this week.

Piney Point's owner is among the targets of the lawsuit, which seeks a full cleanup and closure of the former phosphate plant.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that the state will come up with a plan to close the former phosphate plant for good after another leak late last month.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that the state will come up with a plan to close the former phosphate plant for good after another leak late last month.

Between the governor's allocations and funding projections from the Florida Legislature, Piney Point could cost the state more than $115 million to clean up and shutdown.

"Someone should be held responsible," Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White said.

HRK Holdings purchased the Piney Point land in 2006 but filed for bankruptcy in 2011 after about 170 million gallons of toxic water spilled into Tampa Bay.