Mast outlines Florida waterways protection proposals

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) last week proposed adding three policies to this year’s appropriations bill that would end discharges at Lake Okeechobee carrying toxic algae to other waterways in his home state of Florida.

“If we wouldn’t put it in a bathtub with our kids, it doesn’t belong in our waterways, which is why I am working to defund toxic chemical spraying, prevent toxic discharges to our estuaries, and send clean water south into the Everglades where it is needed,” Rep. Mast said on April 30.

In an April 27 letter sent to U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Mike Simpson (R-ID), who are chairwoman and ranking member, respectively, of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Mast offered three policies that would help ensure Florida has access to safe and clean water. 

According to information provided by his staff, the three-pronged approach includes defunding the spraying of toxic chemicals used to manage invasive plants, which are dangerous for humans, severely harm the ecology of Florida’s waterways, poison fish, and contribute to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. Instead, funding would be redirected to mechanical and biological management methods.

Secondly, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be prohibited from spending any money to discharge water from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie Estuary, which tests above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 8 parts per billion microcystin standard, according to the information.

Lastly, funding would be prioritized for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir to help send more water south and end harmful discharges to the east and west coasts of Florida. 

“With your support, we can restore America’s Everglades, as well as protect the public health of Floridians and all who visit our beautiful state,” Mast wrote.

A recent algal bloom outbreak at Pahokee Marina and Campground on Lake Okeechobee “is just the latest in a long line of disasters for Florida’s environment and public health,” Rep. Mast said in a statement.  

“Nobody should lack access to clean and safe water, but sadly, that’s the reality for people on the Treasure Coast nearly every summer when the Army Corps dumps toxic water into our community,” he said. “Urgent action is needed to address this issue.”