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Blasting can't begin without permit; project still hasn't cleared SFWMD approval process

The Florida DEP planned to issue an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) for the first phase of the Southland Water Resource Project project this week; but on Monday the Everglades Law Center filed a legal challenge to halt the project, acting on behalf of the Tropical Audubon Society and its president President José Francisco Barros and Vice President Brian Rapoza, petitioning as private citizens.

The challenge, via a Petition for Administrative Hearing, was filed with the Department of Administrative Hearings, according to a press release from Tropical Audubon.

Palm Beach County Commissioners approved the project on May 22, and the DEP followed by issuing a notice saying it intended to approve the ERP permit Aug. 11. Southland applicants Phillips & Jordan need the permit to begin blasting.

VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart testifies before the Palm Beach County Commission on the Southland project, May 22.

The land — more than 8,600 acres owned almost entirely by U.S. Sugar and Okeelanta Corp./Florida Crystals (except for 10 acres owned by the State of Florida and 640 acres owned by Laramie Lodge #390 Loyal Order of Moose) — is located south of Lake Okeechobee and just north of the EAA Reservoir and stormwater treatment area (STA).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has expressed misgivings about the rock mine's impact on the reservoir — and may require Phillips & Jordan to seek federal permits.

The DEP was set to approve the ERP permit for Phase 1 of the project, which includes 1,337 acres divided into three cells. The limestone is to be blasted out, presumably sold, and the resulting holes used for water storage.

But for that to happen the South Florida Water Management District needs to approve the project, and the district reportedly has not even begun its review process. Meanwhile, as we reported last week, a second (and third) public hearing on the proposed “water resource” project must be scheduled by the SFWMD once Southland revises its application. Southland has until Aug. 27 to do so.

Bottom line: the Southland project is a reckless money grab that threatens progress on Everglades Restoration. We've opposed this since day one — and the fight isn’t over yet.

'Alligator Alcatraz' case wraps; waiting for judge's ruling

Closing arguments in the case against “Alligator Alcatraz” filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida wrapped Wednesday afternoon, with U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen M. Williams indicating she would issue a decision before the temporary restraining order she issued last week expires Aug. 21.

Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity and the tribe have asked for an injunction which would halt operations at the hastily-built detention center in the heart of the Big Cypress National Preserve until a federal environmental review is conducted.

If Williams grants the injunction, the state of Florida and the federal government are likely to appeal.

Testimony focused on the environmental harm inflicted and impacts to endangered species habitats including the Florida panther at the site, known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. Once slated to be developed as the Everglades Jetport, work on that project was halted in 1970 after a single, 10,500-foot runway had been completed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and other proponents have claimed that all activity was taking place on existing pavement and there was no impact to the local environment. However, the plaintiffs presented evidence including aerial photographs showing some 20 acres of new pavement and other alterations to the site, while testimony addressed potential problems with runoff and wildlife impacts triggered by the bright nighttime lighting in use at the once-dark spot.

Regardless of what ultimately happens in this case, one thing is clear: THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR OF MONUMENTAL AND GROWING THREATS TO THE GREATER EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM. First the rock mine; now “Alligator Alcatraz”; what’s next?

All of it underscores the urgency of Friends of the Everglades’ “Rescue the River of Grass” campaign, to acquire more land in the Everglades region — not develop it, not to build rock mines or prisons, but to preserve it and utilize it to restore America’s Everglades.

Learn more about the “Rescue” campaign by clicking the button below. And on “Alligator Alcatraz” — stay tuned.

ICYMI: Why must Florida spray so much?

Last week's "Deep Dive" into herbicide use in Florida generated quite a bit of feedback — and it's clear we only scratched the surface of this complicated, controversial issue. As such, we'll likely be revisiting the topic in future reports, as we try to get a definitive handle on how much chemical herbicide is used, exactly where and how much is applied, and by which government agency; and how big the impact is on water quality and aquatic life.

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