It's time for Big Agriculture to help stop discharges — here's how they can do it

__________________________________

The key thing to realize about the system of drainage and water conveyance around Lake Okeechobee is that the system was built, and continues to be operated, to serve corporate agriculture - and not you.

And in fact, at nearly every juncture, YOU are on the hook for THEIR problems.

In a comprehensive white paper issued March 7, the Stuart-based Florida Oceanographic Society detailed the privileges afforded Big Sugar and Big Ag, and what life might look like along the estuaries if those privileges were curbed.

Hint: Life would look a lot cleaner.

Graphic from South Florida Water Management District shows total inflow to stormwater treatment areas, how much comes from EAA runoff (blue) and from Lake Okeechobee (orange)

Our latest Deep Dive takes a look at the biggest polluters befouling Florida's fragile waters - and you won't guess (or maybe you will) who tops the list.

We've been watching the parade of bad bills in the state Legislature - including House Bill 1197 and Senate Bill 1240, which would prohibit local governments from passing their own clean-water rules.

Don't follow us on social? Let's change that!

P.S. Signatures Needed! The "Right to Clean and Healthy Waters" petition needs 900,000 signature by November 30 to get on the 2024 ballot. The petition can be printed out and signed here: http://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/