About 100 people from five counties near Mosaic phosphate mining and fertilizer operations showed up at an open house Monday for a final chance to ask questions from state regulators and company representatives.
Many people at the meeting noted hazardous waste has spilled into rivers and streams in the hundred-plus years of the phosphate industry in Florida.
Editor’s note: Charlotte Democrats attend Mosaic meeting. Here is a report from Jane Merriam:
On September 30, Janice Ippolito and Phyl Wojcik were among 15 Charlotte County residents who drove to Mulberry, Florida to attend the DEP Hearing to contest Mosaic’s Bartow Chemical Plant Permit renewal. While billed as a hearing, in reality, it was an open room where we could ask questions of the DEP and Mosaic employees and complete a document to voice our concerns.
Our concerns were many given the large number of Mosaic Phosphate Mines in Florida. These mines produce industrial waste that flows directly into multiple rivers (including the Peace River) that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. They also discharge wastewater into Florida’s aquifers.
Mosaic has been operating in Florida for 135 years. It’s time we let our legislators know that Mosaic is not welcomed in Florida.
