September Forum: Phosphate Mine Update

We return from summer break with our September Forum, to be held on Saturday, September 28 from 1-5 PM, with a simple meal served as we wrap up. Focusing primarily on Bradford county (but including the crucially important Union County developments), we will answer the questions:
          Where do we stand?
How did we get here?
What are the next steps?

Where are we now with the HPS II lawsuits against Union County?

And what can the people do about it?

We’ll examine the issues of the overly cozy agency/client and relationship between Bradford County reps and the mining company. Discuss the road ahead for opposition groups or individuals to have legal “standing” to challenge county decisions in court.  What does Alachua County plan to do, and what’s the latest on the $293 million Harris Act Claim against Union County. Explore the most critical actions that people can take to bring to a hearing the “competent and substantial” evidence that supports a NO vote from the County Commissioners.

We will also share information about developments at Chemours (DuPont) and Twin Pines. It is important to acknowledge that mining activities have been occurring in or near Bradford County since the 1950’s. It is also important to note that DEP takes no action if discharge limits are exceeded because of a major rain event. Why? Because the current plans for the phosphate mine appear to show the facilities’ industrial waste water being discharged into the stream system that flows through Brooker just north of the water tower. This stream would carry the industrial waste water to the Santa Fe River. Join us on September 28 to find out more.