Karen Ahlers (352) 546-3560
Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper (904) 509-3260 or Lisa@stjohnsriverkeeper.org
Linda Bremer, Sierra Club (904) 399-1520
RULING BY JUDGE THREATENS SILVER SPRINGS
Judge recommends approval for controversial cattle
operation
SILVER SPRINGS, FL -- Despite evidence that Florida’s iconic Silver Springs would be further degraded from the over-pumping of groundwater and increased nutrient pollution, an Administrative Law Judge has recommended approval of a permit for the massive cattle operation, Sleepy Creek Lands (formerly known as Adena Springs Ranch). The Judge’s ruling is the result of a legal challenge by Sierra Club, St. Johns Riverkeeper, and two citizens, Jeri Baldwin and Karen Ahlers. Florida Defenders of the Environment also supported this challenge as an Intervener.
Sleepy Creek Lands and its owner, Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach, are seeking a permit to pump 1.46
million gallons a day (mgd) from the already-stressed Floridan Aquifer
for the first phase of a multi-phase beef operation located close to
Silver Springs
and the Ocklawaha River Aquatic Preserve. The proposed project has
created uproar from concerned citizens throughout the state.
“The declining health of Silver Springs is emblematic of the
significant water quality and water use problems we are facing
throughout Florida,” says Karen Ahlers. “The Sleepy Creek permit
represents everything that is wrong with our regulatory process and
the way we allocate the public’s water, and is a classic example of the
state’s ongoing failure to protect our most important water resources.”
During the administrative hearing, it was revealed that the 9,500
head of cattle planned for Phase I will produce nearly 158 million
pounds of manure and 11 million gallons of urine per year. In
addition, 700,000 pounds of nitrogen from fertilizer will
be used to grow grass and crops to feed the cattle.
The petitioners presented evidence that the aquifer is critically
over-tapped in the Silver Springs springshed, and that the fertilizer
and manure will increase nutrient pollution in the Silver and Ocklawaha
Rivers. The flow of Silver Springs has already
declined on average by more than 30 percent, and nitrate concentrations
have increased 20-fold over healthy background levels. In 2012, the
state of Florida introduced a cleanup plan calling for a 79% reduction
in nutrient pollution from existing users to
protect Silver Springs and the upper Silver River.
The legal challenge was in response to the proposal by St. Johns
River Water Management District staff to grant the requested permit to
Sleepy Creek Lands despite overwhelming evidence that groundwater in the
area is already over-allocated and that existing
permitted withdrawals are contributing to the significant flow
reductions at Silver Springs.
While disappointed, the petitioners say the battle is not over. The
parties first have an opportunity to file written exceptions to the
Recommended Order, explaining where they think the Judge erred in his
determinations. The Judge's recommendation and
these exceptions will then be considered by the St Johns River Water
Management District Governing Board when they vote on the permit at a
to-be-determined upcoming meeting.
One of the weakest parts of the Judge's conclusions is his finding
that the proposed withdrawal is "consistent with the public interest,”
says to St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman. "Allowing our over-pumped
aquifer and polluted waterways to be further degraded
for the economic benefit of a private landowner is completely contrary
to the public interest. The Judge's recommendation elevates the economic
interests of a few about the damage that will likely occur to Silver
Springs, Silver River and the Ocklawaha River,
and ignores the testimony of nearly 50 citizens who spoke as part of
the administrative hearing process."
Sierra Club's Linda Bremer echoed Rinaman's sentiments. “The water
management district is tasked with protecting the springs, rivers, and
groundwater that belongs to the citizens of this state. We should not
have to fight so hard to protect our water resources
and hold our regulatory agencies accountable.”
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