The Nature Coast Coalition strives to unite communities and organizations along Florida's Nature Coast to protect these last, best places in our state. Help us share information and resources that help us work together to conserve our natural heritage.
The need for regulation and oversight of drag mining in Florida is clear, and it’s what we need before the Levy County Commission commits the Nature Coast to a blighted future of extractive industry. The purpose of cautious study and permitting regulation is to take the long-term view on the safety of our water supply for future generations.
In case anyone missed the connection, as Mosaic plans a luxury resort and golf courses amidst old phosphate mine pits, Polk County has requested a seat at Tampa Bay Water.
-Darden Rice, GRN
Excerpts from Wall Street Journal article:
“Conservation groups have fought back, publishing their own advertisements in local papers and arguing that more jobs would be generated if the land was used for agriculture.”
“Earlier this month, [Mosaic] also unveiled plans to build a 140-room luxury resort—with two 18-hole golf courses designed by Ben Crenshaw—on 16,000 acres of formerly mined land. The Polk County resort is scheduled to open in 2013.” “The Environmental Protection Agency says the three-decade-old environmental-impact statement on phosphate mining in central Florida is outdated and that a comprehensive review will allow for better decision-making.” “Despite the tough economy, some locals support the push for greater scrutiny and are skeptical that the industry has been doing enough to clean up after itself.”
