Florida's phosphate mining industry, which controls a land area larger than Rhode Island, has been a significant environmental concern due to its destructive practices on riparian waterways and ecosystems. Over the past seventy years, the industry has transformed vast areas of Florida's landscape, leading to severe ecological and hydrological disruptions, particularly in the Peace River basin.
Phosphate mining in Florida predominantly occurs in Hillsborough, Polk, Hardee, and Charlotte counties, covering over 4000 non-contiguous square miles. This extensive mining has not only altered the landscape but has also had profound impacts on local water resources and ecosystems.
Once a vibrant tourist spot north of Gainesville, Hornsby Springs suffered when excessive water extraction by the phosphate industry caused the spring to cease flowing. Attempts to restore the spring have cost taxpayers over one million dollars, yet the damage remains largely irreparable, leading to a significant drop in visitors and local economic decline.
In Polk County, over-pumping by the phosphate industry led to the depletion of Kissengen Springs, which originally flowed at about 30 million gallons per day. The environmental damage caused by this has not been rectified by the industry, resulting in economic and ecological setbacks for the local community.
Despite the clear impacts on public waterways, which are legally protected and considered state property, the phosphate industry has been able to exploit these resources without compensating for the environmental damage caused. This raises significant questions about the effectiveness of state regulations in safeguarding Florida's natural resources.
The destruction caused by phosphate mining extends beyond environmental degradation, affecting local economies that depend on tourism and natural beauty for their livelihood. The decline in visitors to areas like Hornsby and Kissengen Springs has led to economic downturns, highlighting the broader socio-economic impacts of phosphate mining.
The phosphate industry in Florida presents a complex challenge, balancing economic benefits against environmental and social costs. Strengthening regulations and ensuring that the industry addresses the damage it causes are crucial steps towards mitigating these impacts. For further reading on the environmental effects of phosphate mining, visit Florida Mines.
Florida Phosphate Mining And The Public Trust Doctrine
Florida’s elected officials may be overlooking navigable waterways and riparian lands laws. Elected officials may be permitting Florida’s phosphate industry to strip mine large tracts of public land. These large tracts of land hold public waterways and lands based on Florida’s Public Trust Doctrine.
Florida Sinkholes Created By Phosphate Mining
Sinkholes are known to occur inside phosphogypsum stacks due to the added weight created by the “stack”. The stacks are also radioactive creating environmental hazards in and around all phosphate facilities. The stacks hold billions of gallons of toxic radioactive waste and historically are susceptible to failing, creating severe environmental impacts to properties adjacent to mining facilities.
Florida Phosphate Industry Practices Severely Disturb Navigable Waterways?
Florida, also known as the “Sunshine State” receives tremendous amounts of rain year after year. Unfortunately, Florida’s phosphate industry wastes enough freshwater to create severe water shortages yearly in the Tampa Bay area since 1992.
