August 8, 2001
We wish to speak out strongly against
any further expansion of phosphate mining in western central
Florida
until it can be done in a way that certifiably does not
in any way pollute the Peace River
, Horse Creek and any other water bodies of
Southwest Florida .
For years, the phosphate mining companies, many of them
foreign owned, have used the quickest, cheapest ways of
extracting phosphate to maximize their profits then, selling
it nationally and internationally.
They then left huge mountains of tailings, a pitted,
scarred landscape that is reminiscent of lunar photographs,
and polluted lands and nearby waterways.
In short, they have been making money by taking it from
public resources, with no penalties, and no responsible
paybacks. The land they spoiled could have been developed
for sustainable ranching and the growing of food for
Florida ’s increasing
population.
We urge that approval for the extension of further mining
be withheld for the following reasons:
l) It will further pollute the bays, including as far
south as Estero
Bay ,
2) The State and National Government
have been spending millions to try to keep these water
bodies safe for fishing and tourism; their efforts will
be negated by giving permission for further exploitation
and pollution by private enterprise,
3) Construction of toxic slime ponds in the upland area
will result in the recharge of the surficial aquifer,
4) During mining operations, the peak flow in the creeks
that pass through the property will be significantly reduced,
5) There will be a great reduction in wildlife habitat,
6) There are numerous bird species that have been observed
on site. Many are transient and migratory species, and
these will be severely impacted by the numerous toxic
slime ponds within the area.
Barbara Heinrich, Founder and Past President,
The Environmental and
Peace Education
Center
(Just a added note to Barbara’s letter,
one of the largest phosphate mining companies is owned
by the Chinese who are spoiling our land to export the
phosphate to China
.
Most of the land that has been mined has not been
reclaimed and has been rendered useless, it will not even
support grass for ranching).
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