PALM BAY, Fla. — Five months after being damaged by Hurricane Milton, work is underway to repair a large stormwater pipe in Palm Bay.

On Oct. 9, strong storm bands came through the area, causing the pipe to break and release thousands of gallons of wastewater into the Melbourne Tillman Canal.

The failure impacted storm drains, potable water and a force main line right next to Carmelo Berrios’ home.

“I’ve been here six years, and that storm was the worst that I’ve seen,” Berrios said.

A crew worked overnight to make emergency, temporary repairs and stabilize the area. Within 24 hours, a temporary stormwater pipe was installed to prevent further erosion.

Five months later, the city hired a contractor to begin the more than $3 million repair project. Currently, Palm Bay has more than $30 million in planned improvements to the city’s wastewater and stormwater systems.

Projects include planned upgrades to lift stations, baffle boxes, plus piping and installation of smart manhole covers, which provide information about pipe blockages.

25 future projects are on the books.

Berrios is ready for the land next door to be safer.

“It will be ideal for them to finish and get back to normal,” he said.

Stabilizing the damaged water and sewer lines is expected to take 60 days, and installation of larger pipes to improve stormwater flow into the canal is scheduled to be complete in 180 days.