Message to Send:*
I recently became aware of a lawsuit between EPA and Earthjustice (Case No. 4:08-cv-00324-RH-WCS). The lawsuit has to do with water quality standards in the state of Florida. Please understand that I do support efforts to clean up and preserve the waterways of Florida. However, based on my understanding of the issues, I am especially concerned about the methods being used in this case to accomplish a very worthwhile goal. It is my understanding that (1) very strict nitrogen and phosphorous limits are being proposed in, what appears to be an effort to settle the lawsuit, (2) the limits are not based on scientific research, and (3) the people most affected by the cost of complying will not have an opportunity to express their opinions. I also understand that complying with the stricter limits will be an enormously expensive undertaking. I urge you to contact EPA officials and plead for the matter to be resolved at the state level, based on sound scientific research that is relevant to the specific water bodies involved. In addition, the cost versus benefit of implementing Numeric Nutrient Criteria as opposed to the current and ongoing TMDL process should be an important consideration in the final decision. Thank you for your attention. I hope the issues can be addressed in a productive manner without the citizens of the State of Florida being burdened by massive, perhaps unnecessary costs.