Monday, July 6, 2020
Dear Senator Mayfield:
The members of The Indian River Neighborhood Association commend you for your sponsorship of the Clean Waterways Act, SB712. We are a 5013c advocacy group in Indian River County that focuses on smart growth and clean water issues so we followed your bill with interest.
As originally sponsored by you, SB712 was a comprehensive bill that we hoped would make its way through the legislature intact. Unfortunately, as often happens in Florida, the bill was amended by interested parties to be less effective in water quality regulations than was needed to seriously address the pollution in Florida waterways…especially as it pertains to agricultural practices.
However, the Clean Waterways Act is a good start towards addressing stormwater, wastewater and septic pollution. The funding to address these problems will be welcome catalysts for our local municipalities to implement improvement projects.
Again, thank you for your commitment to improve Florida’s water resources. We welcome your leadership and look forward to working with you in the 2021 legislature to strengthen regulations that will lead to further restoration of our waters.
Sincerely,
Jean Catchpole, IRNA Board Secretary Co-chair Water & Lagoon Committee