No Discharge Zone, Pool Pollution, and More!
- IRNA
- Jul 12
- 9 min read
July 12, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
EPA Declares Lagoon Waters Off-Limits to Boat Sewage
Big news for boaters: The EPA just approved a No-Discharge Zone covering the Indian River–Vero Beach to Fort Pierce Aquatic Preserve. It's the first time any of Florida’s 43 aquatic preserves has received this level of protection.
What does this mean for us? Simple. No more dumping sewage (treated or raw) from your boat anywhere within this 12-mile stretch of lagoon. Period.
You'll need to hold onto that waste until you reach a shore-based pump-out station or motor at least three miles offshore into the Atlantic.
Here's why this matters more than you might think. The Indian River Lagoon isn't only a pretty waterway. This 9,500-acre ecosystem pumps about $30 million annually into Florida's economy through fishing alone. Nearly half of all fish caught along the state's east coast come from these waters.
The lagoon has been choking on pollution for years. Most people blame septic systems and stormwater runoff, but they're not the only pollutants. Now here's where boat sewage enters the picture. Even treated waste from vessels packs a nutrient punch that would make a marathon runner jealous. Unlike municipal treatment plants, boat systems only tackle bacteria and solids. They completely ignore nitrogen and phosphorus—the very nutrients that turn crystal-clear water into green soup.
Those nutrients feed algae blooms that block sunlight and suck oxygen from the water. Fish can't breathe. Seagrass dies. The whole ecosystem starts falling apart like a house of cards.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will patrol these waters with citation books ready. Violators face fines up to $250 per day. Refuse to comply within 30 days? They'll tow your boat out as a public hazard.
With over one million boats registered in Florida (plus countless seasonal visitors) this new rule represents a major shift in how we protect sensitive waters.
This isn't just about boats though. The lagoon faces attacks from multiple fronts: stormwater runoff, septic seepage, and other issues. Each source needs addressing if we want to restore this natural treasure to its former glory.
The message is clear: everyone who enjoys these waters must take responsibility for keeping them clean. And please don't dump your boat's holding tank into the lagoon...
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A Rare Win for Responsible Growth
You know that sinking feeling when it seems like local governments just wave through whatever developers want? Well, something actually encouraging happened in Manatee County recently. Commissioners did something almost shocking: they said no to a bad housing development.
Here's what happened: they unanimously rejected a rezoning request for a big residential project. The catch? Developers wanted to build on flood-prone land and wetlands. Not exactly what you'd call smart planning.
This wasn't NIMBY neighbors being cranky about change. There were potential safety issues, infrastructure that can't handle the load, and environmental damage that would stick around long after the development costs were forgotten.
What really matters here is that commissioners actually used their own planning rules instead of caving to pressure. They looked at their comprehensive plan, checked the floodplain data, and made a decision based on facts rather than developer promises.
The community deserves huge credit. Instead of just grumbling about it, residents got organized. They did the research, showed up to meetings, and presented solid evidence about flooding risks and wetland destruction. Their homework paid off.
This win also reflects some political shifts. Recent elections brought in commissioners who weren't afraid to think independently rather than automatically rolling over for developers. Turns out your vote really does matter for these land-use decisions.
Other communities dealing with similar pressure can take notes. Even with state officials breathing down their necks and preempting home rule, cities and counties still have tools like zoning laws and comprehensive plans. Residents can still demand infrastructure gets built before developments, not after.
Sure, we won't win every fight. But this case proves that responsible growth isn't dead yet. Sometimes common sense still wins.
Is recycling worth it? Behind the Story (TCPalm) - Watch a video how St. Lucie County baling and recycling works. Recycling on Florida’s Treasure Coast is more complex and valuable than it appears, with fluctuating material markets, high-speed sorting technology, and widespread confusion about what belongs in the bin underscoring the need to prioritize reducing and reusing before recycling.
Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach (TCPalm) - The Indian River Citrus Museum in downtown Vero Beach offers a free, donation-supported exhibit honoring the history and impact of Indian River County’s iconic citrus industry.
Condo prices, sales and listings fall across the Treasure Coast in May (TCPalm) - Condo and townhouse prices, sales, and listings declined across Florida's Treasure Coast in May, as oversupply and new regulatory pressures continued to shape a buyer-friendly market despite recent legislative efforts to ease financial burdens on associations.
Vermont Man, 77, Killed on I-95 Near Sebastian While Helping Turtle (Sebastian Daily) - A 77-year-old Vermont man was killed on I-95 near Sebastian after being struck by a truck while trying to help a turtle cross the highway, prompting a multi-hour road closure and ongoing investigation.
It's Sea Turtle Nesting Season: Want to Witness the Miracle? For Their Safety and Ours, Go Guided (Vero Minute) - Sea turtle nesting season in Vero Beach draws thousands of returning turtles and curious visitors, but to protect these endangered creatures from harmful human interference, guided walks with organizations like Coastal Connections offer the safest and most respectful way to witness this natural wonder.
When Pool Water Becomes Lagoon Poison
Recently, a pool service truck was observed pulling up to a house on the lagoon. The crew spent some time working, then they hooked up a hose and started draining the murky green pool water straight into the Indian River. The above picture is the result.
It turns out this might happen more often than we'd think. Pool companies and homeowners dump contaminated water into our waterways because it's easier than doing it right. The problem is, that "easy" solution is hurting our lagoon.
Most people don't realize what's actually in pool water. There's chlorine, obviously, but also stabilizers, algaecides, muriatic acid, and other chemicals. If you've got an algae problem, there might be copper sulfate or other metal-based treatments. All that organic matter that builds up over time—dead leaves, pollen, dirt—breaks down into phosphorus and nitrogen. Even the biofilm that forms on pool surfaces contains pollutants.
When all of this gets dumped into the lagoon, it doesn't just dilute and disappear. The phosphorus and nitrogen work like fertilizer or septage, feeding fish kills or algae blooms that can stretch for miles. These blooms block sunlight, so the seagrass beds die. As the algae decomposes, it uses up dissolved oxygen. Fish literally can't breathe. The chemicals can poison smaller organisms that form the base of the food chain.
One pool dumping might not seem like much, but there are thousands of pools in our area. If even a fraction of them discharge improperly, we're talking about a serious pollution problem. Pool companies should know better, as should homeowners.
The right way to handle pool water isn't complicated. You can discharge it to the sanitary sewer system with prior permission from your utility director—not the storm drain, not the lagoon, but the actual sewer that goes to a water treatment plant.
But you don't even need to dump the water at all. While it may cost a little more, a local pool company told us about a pool that had been abandoned for four years. It took about a month of treatment and cleanings, but there was no need to dump any of the water to make the pool swimmable again.
Professional pool companies should know this. But apparently not everyone got the memo. If you're hiring a pool service, ask them about their disposal methods before you sign anything.
When you see someone dumping pool water (or anything else) where they shouldn't, document it. Write down the date, time, and address. Get the company name if it's a service truck. Take pictures if you can do it safely. Then call Vero Beach Code Enforcement at 772-978-4920, in Sebastian at (772) 589-5330 or go here if in Indian River County.
The Indian River Lagoon is already stressed from decades of development and pollution. Every time someone takes a shortcut like this, they're making the problem worse. We can't afford to lose what's left of this ecosystem just because proper disposal takes a little more effort.
Sarasota County stormwater crisis sparks major shakeup after public trust erodes (Florida Trident) - Following a scathing investigation and public outcry over mismanaged stormwater systems that failed during Tropical Storm Debby, Sarasota County unanimously voted to create a separate stormwater department, signaling a major leadership shakeup aimed at restoring public trust and addressing years of neglect.
Manatee entanglement shows threat of improperly disposed fishing lines in Florida (CBS12) - Cooley the manatee was rescued again after suffering severe injuries from fishing line entanglement, underscoring the persistent and preventable threat improperly discarded fishing gear poses to Florida’s marine life.
A Whale of a Job (Vero Beach Magazine) - FAU Harbor Branch’s Stranding and Population Assessment Team rescues dolphins and whales, collects critical health and environmental data, and supports long-term water quality research in the Indian River Lagoon, revealing a strong link between marine mammal health and pollution from human waste, particularly aging septic systems.
From a Small Group of Triathletes to Vero Beach’s Defining Fourth of July Tradition (Vero Minute) - What began as a personal birthday swim to the SS Breconshire wreck has evolved into Vero Beach’s defining Fourth of July tradition, drawing thousands each year to celebrate community, endurance, and patriotism in the waters off Sexton Plaza.
Lifeguards rescue deer struggling in water on Florida beach (KMBC) - Lifeguards at Flagler Beach rescued a disoriented deer found struggling 300 yards offshore, likely driven into the ocean by holiday commotion and current, marking a rare and risky wildlife rescue involving potential shark threats.
DEP once again fails Florida springs, won’t push polluters (Florida Phoenix) - Despite a court order and mounting pollution, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection continues to delay meaningful action on springs cleanup, favoring voluntary measures that shield polluters and leaving many of the state’s iconic freshwater sources increasingly contaminated and unprotected.
Florida's Conservation Setback:
What This Year's Budget Vetoes Tell Us
Governor DeSantis talks up Florida's environmental investments, but his 2025 budget vetoes tell a different story. You can see the real priorities when you look at what got cut—and it's not pretty for conservation.
Take the Indian River Lagoon, where DeSantis slashed $21 million in nearby projects while keeping the big statewide programs. He axed $12 million for muck removal in Cocoa Beach, $4.8 million to fix runoff in Satellite Beach, and $4.2 million for dredging near Eau Gallie Causeway. Meanwhile, he preserved the $25 million Indian River Lagoon Protection Program and infrastructure projects elsewhere.
Here's what's frustrating: those vetoed projects would've tackled real problems. The lagoon's been choking on pollution and algae blooms for years. Without muck removal and runoff control, manatees lose habitat and the tourism economy suffers. It's like putting a band-aid on a broken leg,the big announcements sound good, but some actual fixes get tossed aside.
The $6.25 million cut to restore the Ocklawaha River stings even more. This money would've started removing the Rodman Dam, reconnecting the St. Johns River and bringing back 20 springs plus 7,500 acres of flooded forest. Scientists have backed this restoration for decades, but fishing lobby pressure apparently won out. Rural communities lost a chance at real ecotourism revenue.
Then there's Florida Forever, which dropped from $229 million to just $18 million. DeSantis shifted $250 million to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program instead. Here's the difference: Florida Forever buys land outright for permanent protection. The rural program relies on easements, agreements with private landowners, that help but don't create public lands. When developers come knocking on prime habitat, easements often aren't enough.
Every day without strong conservation funding means more critical habitats become strip malls and subdivisions. Programs like the Florida's Wildlife Corridor can't succeed without the land acquisition tools that made Florida Forever work for over two decades.
The broader budget pattern is clear: environmental protection isn't the priority. Debt repayment and law enforcement got boosts while resilience projects and local water initiatives faced cuts. Short-term politics trumped long-term environmental security.
As advocates prepare for 2026, the message is simple: Florida's natural treasures deserve better than being political afterthoughts.
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River Seine in Paris Reopens for Public Swimming for the First Time in 100 Years (EcoWatch) - After a €1.4 billion cleanup effort tied to the 2024 Olympics, Paris has reopened the River Seine for public swimming for the first time in 100 years, launching supervised swim sites despite ongoing concerns about water quality following heavy rains.
Climate Change Helped Fuel Heavy Rains That Led to Devastating Texas Flood (Inside Climate News) - Heavy rains that caused catastrophic flooding and over 100 deaths in Texas’ Hill Country were intensified by climate change, with scientists linking the event to warming-driven increases in atmospheric moisture, ocean heat, and stalled tropical weather systems.
How to prepare for a disaster (Grist) - Preparing for a disaster involves gathering accurate local alerts, building an emergency kit with critical documents and supplies, planning evacuation routes, safeguarding your home from multiple hazards, and ensuring accessibility and safety for people with disabilities, pets, and all household members.
How climate change is intensifying hurricanes (Grist) - Climate change is making hurricanes more dangerous by warming ocean waters, which fuels stronger winds, heavier rainfall, faster intensification, and slower movement, while rising sea levels and outdated storm rating systems further increase the risks to vulnerable coastal communities.
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