Biosolids impact the St. Johns, the Issue with Dog Poop, and More!
- IRNA
- Jul 19
- 8 min read
July 19, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Florida's Sewage Sludge Shell Game:
Moving Pollution North Instead of Solving It
When Florida banned sewage sludge disposal in South Florida's watersheds over a decade ago, policymakers claimed victory for environmental protection. The reality tells a different story, one of environmental injustice that has simply relocated the problem to rural communities downstream.
Since the 2007 restrictions protecting Lake Okeechobee, more than 100,000 tons of South Florida's sewage sludge has been trucked north to the St. Johns River watershed. Today, a staggering 78% of Florida's Class B biosolids disposal happens in the upper St. Johns River basin, transforming what was once a solution into a massive environmental burden for North and Central Florida communities.
The consequences are now undeniable. Communities along the St. Johns River face cleanup costs between $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion over the next 40 years, according to a 2025 study by The Balmoral Group. The phosphorus runoff from sewage sludge disposal farms is nine times higher than sites without biosolids, fueling toxic algae blooms in areas that had never experienced them before. The St. Johns River's nutrient pollution is increasing at more than 5% annually in some areas, creating a cascade of environmental damage that flows downstream to affect multiple communities.
This geographic displacement shows classic environmental injustice. While wealthy South Florida communities export their waste problems northward, rural communities like Putnam County have become dumping grounds for outside waste. The "Don't Poop on Putnam" coalition gathered over 1,700 signatures opposing biosolids dumping from neighboring counties, demonstrating how communities nationwide are fighting this practice.
Yet some communities are proving that effective alternatives exist. Indian River County implemented a renewable moratorium on biosolids disposal in 2018, gaining farmer support through education and voluntary compliance. The county's commissioners voted unanimously to protect Blue Cypress Lake after phosphorus levels reached dangerous concentrations. Many local farmers voluntarily stopped using biosolids before the moratorium, showing that agricultural communities support restrictions when educated about environmental impacts.
The Indiantown biosolids plant represents the future of waste management. Using advanced vapor recompression technology, the facility converts sewage sludge into clean water, phosphorus-free fertilizer, and Class AA biosolids—eliminating the need for land application entirely. Expected to begin operations in 2026, it demonstrates that technological solutions can replace the current system of geographic displacement.
The fundamental problem is political. Florida's current system allows affluent communities to export their pollution to areas with less political power, creating a perverse incentive structure. South Florida utilities can even charge environmental protection fees to fund sludge transport northward, essentially monetizing environmental injustice.
Real solutions require ending this shell game. Instead of moving pollution from watershed to watershed, Florida needs comprehensive statewide waste management that prioritizes advanced treatment technologies, regional responsibility, and community consent. The St. Johns River crisis proves that environmental problems don't disappear when relocated.
Until Florida embraces genuine solutions (the Indiantown plant is a good start!) communities will continue paying the price for a system that prioritizes political convenience over the environmental.
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The Scoop on Poop:
How Dog Waste is
Dumping on Our Lagoon
Every day, Indian River County canines generate about 17,000 pounds of fresh dog waste scattered across yards, sidewalks, and parks. That's one school bus weight worth of excrement hitting the ground daily.
Our county houses over 12,000 licensed dogs. Add seasonal pups, unregistered mutts, and puppies under six months - we're talking serious canine “poopulation” density, perhaps as many as 23,000 dogs. Each furry friend produces roughly three-quarters of a pound of waste every single day.
Now comes the frustrating part. Studies reveal that 41% of dog owners simply walk away from their pet's deposits. They abandon the mess for someone else to handle. Or worse—they let rain wash it straight into storm drains and into the Lagoon.
Gross! And you know what else is gross? One pound of dog waste has 1.1 billion fecal coliform bacteria, viruses and parasites. When thunderstorms hit, this bacterial cocktail runs directly into the lagoon. The contamination doesn't stop there. Nitrogen and phosphorus from decomposing doggie waste feed toxic algae blooms that choke marine life.
Fortunately, this environmental crisis has a simple fix. Grab a bag. Pick up the poop. Toss it in the trash. Your small actions help! You're protecting fishing grounds for local anglers and swimming holes for families. You can help ensure that the Lagoon remains healthy for future generations.
Land Trust snags two properties to complete conservation complex (Vero News) - The Indian River Land Trust completed a 17-year effort to unify 157 acres of conservation land in Wabasso by acquiring two final parcels, enabling plans for a 2-mile public loop trail, kayak landing, and boardwalk through the protected lagoon habitat.
Treasure Coast once top grapefruit producer in world. What happened? (TCPalm) - Over two decades, citrus greening has devastated Florida’s citrus industry—cutting production by over 90%, wiping out groves, and forcing many growers to sell land for development—while researchers race to breed disease-tolerant trees and develop innovative treatments to preserve what remains.
Waning Vero Beach population ratio to impact county? | Opinion (TCPalm) - As Indian River County’s population grows and Vero Beach’s remains fixed about 17,000, city leaders face mounting challenges in funding and maintaining essential services heavily used by non-residents, prompting calls for renewed city-county collaboration.
EPA declares 'no-discharge zone' for portion of this lagoon (WPTV) - We discussed this in our newsletter last week, glad to see more media coverage of it! For the first time, the EPA has designated a 12-mile stretch of the Indian River Lagoon from Vero Beach to Fort Pierce as a no-discharge zone, banning boat sewage dumping to combat pollution and improve water quality in the ecologically fragile area.
Vero Beach’s advanced STEP sewer system to expand to south on island (Vero News) - Vero Beach is expanding its cost-effective STEP sewer system to south island neighborhoods to reduce lagoon-polluting septic use and meet state deadlines, with over 3,000 homes set to connect and a big assist from the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County—good job, CWC!
Pelican Island Audubon puts on the ‘Glitz’ for 60th Birthday bash (Vero News) - Pelican Island Audubon Society celebrated its 60th anniversary with a glamorous outdoor gala at Schacht Groves, honoring decades of conservation work—including distributing 28,000 native plants and expanding youth programs—while guests enjoyed nature, music, and a surprise SpaceX rocket launch.
Innovative Reef Arches Help Restore Florida's Disappearing Shorelines
Florida's coastlines are under siege from boat wakes, rising seas, and relentless erosion—but an innovative solution is making waves in marine restoration. Reef Arches, invented by Keith Richardson of Hedrick Brothers Construction, are concrete structures with an open honeycomb design that serve as instant artificial reefs while combating coastal erosion.
What makes these arches special is their engineering. Unlike traditional structures with solid bottoms, Reef Arches feature an open design that allows water flow and light penetration (essential for marine organisms like zooplankton.) The flow-through design prevents stagnant water while creating ideal conditions for crabs, oysters, and other sea life to thrive.
The arches tackle multiple environmental challenges simultaneously. They help stabilize eroding shorelines by promoting sediment accumulation and reducing wave action—a growing problem as boat traffic increases in Florida waters. The structures also provide crucial habitat for marine life, with one-year-old installations already hosting oysters, mussels, barnacles, stone crabs, and sponges.
Perhaps most importantly, Reef Arches support mangrove restoration. These vital coastal plants often get started but then wash away before establishing roots. The arches give mangroves the protection they need to take hold, eventually growing over the structures and becoming nearly invisible while providing natural erosion control.
The technology has garnered support from organizations ranging from Florida State University to the Guy Harvey Foundation, with successful installations already protecting archaeological sites in Palm Bay. As Florida grapples with losing 98% of its coral reef cover and shrinking islands visible on Google Earth, Reef Arches offer a promising blend of engineering and ecology.
Alligator Alcatraz: When Political Theater Costs Millions (VoteWater.org) - Despite state claims of fiscal responsibility, Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center faces ballooning costs exceeding $600 million, lacks confirmed federal reimbursement, and has bypassed audits and procurement rules, raising serious concerns about political theater at taxpayer expense.
How To Snorkel Near Coral Reefs (Without Hurting The Environment Or Yourself) (Islands) - Snorkeling near coral reefs safely requires avoiding all contact with marine life, wearing reef-safe sunscreen, practicing proper swimming away from reefs, removing only obvious surface trash, and following local boating and diving regulations to protect both yourself and these ancient, fragile ecosystems.
Bacterial debris at Long Point Park and Campground in Brevard County (TCPalm) - Brevard County officials have warned Long Point Park campers about excess algae in nearby waters to reassure visitors and dispel fears of sewage contamination, emphasizing that the discoloration likely stems from natural algal buildup, not a waste leak.
With public radio facing funding cuts, will WQCS sign off for good? (TCPalm) - With both state and potential federal funding cuts threatening public broadcasting, WQCS at Indian River State College may face staff reductions and program losses, relying heavily on local support and congressional advocacy to avoid shutting down after over 40 years of service.
New dam aims to triple water storage capacity in South Florida (WFTV) - A new dam in South Florida is set to triple regional water storage capacity, aiming to improve flood control, water supply, and environmental restoration efforts.
Fort Piece Jetty memorials dismantled (TCPalm) - Residents are removing personal memorials from the Fort Pierce Jetty ahead of a planned demolition, following a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreement and environmental concerns, leaving many heartbroken over the loss of tributes that have honored loved ones for decades.
As we get closer to the peak of hurricane season, don't wait to protect yourself and your family. Sign up for Alert Indian River, the official emergency notification system for Indian River County.
If you don't sign up, you won't receive emergency notifications. This isn't an automatic system – you must opt-in to receive life-saving alerts about hurricanes, severe weather, flooding, evacuations, and other emergencies.
Alert Indian River puts you in control. Choose to receive alerts via text, email, or phone call for locations you care about like your home, workplace, and children's schools. The system is completely confidential – your information is never shared or sold.
Getting started takes just minutes. Visit the Alert Indian River website, create your account, and add your contact information. When alerts come in, you'll recognize them from specific numbers: text messages from 893-61 or 878-44, and phone calls from 772-226-3930.
Don't rely on social media or news outlets during emergencies. Get official information directly from Indian River County Emergency Management. In a crisis, every second counts, and this system ensures you're among the first to know about threats in your area.
Sign up today at the Alert Indian River website. Your safety is worth a few minutes of preparation.
How can we stop climate change? (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - Stopping climate change requires systemic policy changes that accelerate the transition to clean energy, protect and expand natural carbon sinks like forests, and implement carbon pricing to reduce pollution at its source.
Largest flamingo flock in a decade spotted in Everglades (Miami Herald) - A flock of 125 American flamingos—the largest seen in the Everglades in a decade—was recently spotted, raising questions about whether these iconic birds are beginning to reclaim their historic Florida nesting grounds after centuries of absence.
Bacteria to the Rescue (Sierra Club) - Certain bacteria can break down specific plastics like PET by producing enzymes that liquefy the material for reuse, offering a promising but limited and slow solution to plastic pollution that highlights the need to reduce overall plastic production.
Does Alligator Alcatraz disrupt Everglades natural darkness? (Miami Herald) - Artificial lighting from Florida’s new immigrant detention facility, "Alligator Alcatraz," is threatening Big Cypress National Preserve’s internationally recognized dark sky status and disrupting endangered nocturnal wildlife in one of the last protected night environments in the U.S.
’Only a Handful of Environmental Organisations Still Dare Challenge Corporate Projects in Court’ (Inter Press Service) - Environmental groups in Romania, like Greenpeace, face escalating legal intimidation tactics—including dissolution threats and crushing legal fees—used by state-backed fossil fuel companies to silence opposition, sparking fears of a shrinking civic space and weakening public accountability in climate and environmental advocacy.
As Deadly Floods Hit America, a Meteorologist Looks Ahead (Inside Climate News) - Meteorologist Sean Sublette explains that climate change is making flash floods more intense and harder to predict, and warns that budget cuts to weather services undermine critical early warning systems needed to protect communities from increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
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