TCPalm’s exclusive investigation of Florida’s flagship program to limit nutrient pollution flowing into Lake Okeechobee is the first to show that every single rainfall runoff drainage basin around the lake with available data exceeds the state limit.
Improving the state’s system depends on public attention and accountability. Readers who think the system isn’t working can contact their legislators to demand change.
Read the full investigation and see the map and all the charts.
Clean-water advocates have cited these possible solutions:
More funding to hire additional staff to inspect farms every two years as required
More water quality monitors gathering data to pinpoint pollution sources
Effective enforcement against farmers who don’t follow state rules
Limits on fertilizer use that could prevent harmful runoff into waterways.
Gov. Ron DeSantis
Represents: All Florida citizens
Address: The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Phone: 850-717-9337
Citizen services: 850-488-7146
Email: governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com (flgov.com/email-the-governor)
Website: flgov.com
Twitter: @GovRonDeSantis
Facebook: @GovRonDeSantis
Sen. Debbie Mayfield
Represents: District 17 (all of Indian River; part of Brevard)
Capital address: 322 Senate Office Building, 402 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Capital phone: 850-487-5017
Website: flsenate.gov/senators/s17
Twitter: @debbie_mayfield
Facebook: @senatordebbiemayfield
House Rep. Erin Grall
Represents: District 54 (all of Indian River; part of St. Lucie)
Capital address: 209 House Office Building, 402 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
District address: 1801 27th St., Suite B2-203, Vero Beach, FL 32960-3388
Capital phone: 850-717-5054
District phone: 772-778-5005
Website: myfloridahouse.gov
Twitter: @ErinGrall
Facebook: @ErinGrall4FLStateHouse
Check out this letter that the IRNA and CWC sent to Sen. Mayfield and Rep. Grall asking for more funding for FDEP and a revamp of the BMAP program.
We need your voice to be heard in Tallahassee! Please reach out and ask our elected officials to do everything in their power to protect our environment.
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