In the wake of the Radioactive Roads bill passed by the Florida State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, there are two projects that the Center of Biological Diversity has spotlighted.
First, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opened up public comment on its pending approval for Mosaic to conduct a pilot project using radioactive phosphogypsum—a hazardous byproduct of fertilizer production—in private road construction in Polk County.
This material, banned for such use since 1992, emits radon gas and contains toxic heavy metals like arsenic and lead. It’s a proven danger to public health and the environment, and approval of this project could set a dangerous precedent nationwide.
In November, Suncoast Waterkeeper, as part of Waterkeepers Florida and Waterkeeper Alliance, signed a public comment letter to EPA official Joseph Goffman explaining the scientific reasoning behind our objections to the project.
Here’s why we’re sounding the alarm:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also plans to construct demonstration roads using phosphogypsum. However, the agency told WUSF that it was not seeking EPA approval. According to its planning documents, if the road tests prove the material is viable, the agency will seek EPA approval.
If you learn that an FDOT demonstration project is coming to your area, please let Suncoast Waterkeeper know using our Pollution Reporting form. We aim to stay on top of this issue and pull all the levers at our disposal to safeguard public health and Florida’s waters.
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Charlene
This is absolutely ridiculous. It shows you that the corruption is bipartisan and that environmental protection in this country is a joke.
Tuesday, January 7 Report this
rayfusco68
How about adding this stipulation to the Radioactive Roads Bill; All legislators that voted for this bill and the governor that signed it into law must have their driveways repaved with this material and any new living construction they do needs to have this material used for the foundation and block that is used in the construction.
Wednesday, January 8 Report this
Charles
When voted in, the proposed amendment to the state constitution will prohibit these roads — what are you doing to help get the question on the ballot so voters may decide to adopt a right to clean water?
https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/
Wednesday, January 8 Report this