BRADENTON -- When Mosaic goes back before the Manatee BOCC today, the phosphate mining giant will not only be seeking the renewal of expiring permits, but will be asking for continued permission to mine acreage, as well as mitigating wetland disturbance.

The 2,048-acre Altman Parcel will not be the only site at issue during the special land use meeting. Mosaic is asking for additional mining time for the Lambee, Lipman and Jameson Tracts, along with permission from the board to carry the existing security bond over into the extended period.

Manatee County Natural Resource Division Manager Rob Brown says nothing is changing, that all of the permits have been issued, and that the action is just a formality to continue operations with the protection of the current security bonds.

Citizens and activists are concerned that Mosaic will continue to expand and nibble away at the existing wetlands near all of of their mines, stressing groundwater supplies in the process. The company has a history of being quite successful when it comes to going before the BOCC.

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