Mining Impacts to the Human and Natural Environments

A compilation of resources and issues

News articles about mining in Charlotte County and vicinity:

4th DCA reverses Palm Beach County Commission development order allowing a rock mining in the Everglades Agricultural Area (July, 2011)

read the decision here

A great decision from the 4th DCA today -- with recently elevated 19th Circuit Judge Burton Conner on the panel -- reversing a Palm Beach County Commission development order allowing a rock mining operation in the Everglades Agricultural Area.

The 4th DCA reversed summary judgment in favor of the rock mining company and ordered the case to be returned to the trial court for entry of a judgment finding the development order inconsistent with the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan.

The development order was challenged by 1000 Friends of Florida.
Richard Grosso and Robert Hartsell represented 1000 Friends.

Lewis, Longman and Walker represented the mining company.

Among the cases cited as authority by the 4th DCA was Martin County's own Pinecrest Lakes case, which established that the court does not need to defer to the county's interpretation of the comprehensive plan.

People protecting the Peace River's letter of March 31, 2009 requesting  a 90-day extension regarding Mosaic's request for a "minor modification" to the Old Colony Wetland Resource Permit 146465-001 so that additional study can be done.

Mines lose traction at Charlotte land-use hearing (Charlotte Sun 22/17/09) Eleven dirt mines, one proposed and 10 existing were met with rejection by the Charlotte County Commission Tuesday.

Manatee County Commission Illegally Approved Mosaic Phosphate Mine Permits Fighting strip-mining within Peace River watershed  (February 17, 2009)

Earthjustice Files Suit to Stop Phosphate Strip Mine in Peace River Watershed Public waters at risk in southwest Florida  (July 28, 2008)

Ambitious Project Aims To Get Peace River Flowing Again (Nicole White Tampa Tribune 5/30/08)  Decades of pumping the ground for nearby farms, phosphate mines and home faucets, coupled with two years of unusually dry weather, have turned a 20-mile stretch of the Peace River into a cracked, sandy bed. For almost a third of the year, little or no water flows.

Washington Loop Homeowners against Mining (WHAM) vs. Charlotte County BoCC and Triple D (Feb 12, 2008)- A Bert Harris claim

WHAM member remarks about above Bert Harris lawsuit

Here are some details about Hoevler's ruling in Miami-Dade County--

EAA MINING SUMMIT- hear the entire summit and

read newspaper stories - provided by Matt Schwarz

Fighting mining because of Benzene contamination of potable water- (in Georgia)

Part One: Toxin Agency Looks the Other Way

Date: Mar 14, 2008 12:36 AM

Letter to editor regarding unsupported claims for mine pits acting as reservoirs

read Judge Hoevler's findings regarding benzene intrusion into drinking water.

Map of existing an proposed mines in the EAA

Return to  compilation of resources and issues

This resource focuses on adverse impacts from mining currently not addressed or evaluated by regulatory agencies and municipalities, as well as alternatives to mining and approaches for improved monitoring and evaluation of existing and proposed mine sites and mine-related impacts.  This portal is made possible thanks to the volunteer efforts of scientists, other professionals and citizens.