Don’t by-pass the Army Corps

Wetlands are critical to cleansing water, helping to recharge groundwater supplies, providing fish and wildlife habitat, and maintaining a natural infrastructure that helps store flood waters and provide resiliency in storm events. In the face of increased growth statewide, the protection of Florida’s wetlands and water resources needs the greatest possible attention; the state cannot be trusted to do it alone without federal involvement. Take action now!

But it gets worse. While so many people are fighting for their lives or worried about protecting their lives from COVID-19, it is callous and absurd to expect a normal public response to any agency action. And yet, FDEP is rushing forward replacing public hearings with webinars and proceeding with public comment periods when the assumption of 404 permitting is as far from urgent or essential as you can get.

Webinars may be helpful when paired with public hearings, providing access for those unable to travel who have the capability and access to use the technology, but they are not equivalent or interchangeable. To expect the public to submit timely public comments during the time of the COVID-19 threat is madness – send your message now!

The obviously unnecessary “rush” on the assumption of 404 permitting by FDEP is madness with a very certain method.  What do permit applicants (developers/miners/drillers) want more than anything? They want a faster, less thorough vetting process and less, not more, public comment. Continuing to process the assumption change of 404 permitting during this time will get the applicants exactly what they wish.  

A diminished stakeholder/public hearing process is contrary to our interests in protecting the environment.  Don’t stand for it!