So Much for the "Very First Affirmative Act in over Two Years"

John here.

Below (in inverted order and with the headers removed) is my email exchange yesterday with Jeff Sklut of the Hillsborough Environmental Protection Commission:

Butcher to Sklut:

Jeff,

Can you share with me a copy of the order you issued to Alverson?

John

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Sklut to Butcher:

Mr. Butcher,

As Ms. Butcher was advised, the EPC will remain involved in this case in order to support the efforts of Tampa Code Enforcement and the Health Department. However, a little clarification regarding your reference to Section 15 of the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Act is offered. The Emergency Order is a formal legal document that passes through several levels of review prior to being issued. We will normally go through 2 or 3 additional steps between initial receipt of a complaint and any formal enforcement proceeding.

Again, we will remain involved in this case but felt this clarification was needed.

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Butcher to Sklut:

Mr. Sklut,

Thanks for the reply. Do I take it then that my sister misunderstood when she thought you said you had issued an order for Alverson to shut off the water in the downstairs bath?

John

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Sklut to Butcher:

Sir:

May have been a slight misunderstanding. We can’t verbally issue an order without backing it up Administratively. Mr. Alverson was instructed to undertake the corrective actions as discussed previously.

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Sklut to Butcher:

As another follow up, Mr. Alverson was instructed to secure the water to the ½ bath. He indicated he would discontinue using that bathroom. As I mentioned to your sister, if the blockage is down the line, then a discharge could occur from the other bathroom. Your sister indicated she would keep an eye out for any additional discharges and advise accordingly.

In short, Carolyn was mistaken as to an "order." Indeed, there is not even a writing. Just "instructions." Let's hope this is not a sign that EPC has the same need for a backbone transplant as Code, Health, and Wastewater Collection.

For sure, as of yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, photos show TP and cigarette butts, but no lime.

(click to enlarge)

Carolyn reports that it still smelled (of course).