Federal officials have reached a tentative deal with the state of Florida regarding water quality, farm runoff, and a plan to reduce pollution in rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
Water pollution has been a major cause for concern among several federal organizations. In particular the Environmental Protection Agency has spent the better part of the last four years pushing for increased regulations regarding water pollution.
The case they have become most active with has been the ongoing struggle over water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, which is currently facing major dead zones as a result of farm pollution along Chesapeake waterways.
As part of a recent deal, the EPA worked out a plan with Florida agricultural officials to gradually limit fertilizer runoff (which leads to toxic and deadly algae blooms).
Environmentalists have slammed the deal, however, saying that it allows too much pollution to reach Florida waterways and that it contains several major loopholes that may allow for continued farm pollution.
“This bogus plan gives deep-pocketed polluters even more loopholes,” said Earthjustice attorney David Guest.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer