Topic: Fertilizer

SB 1516 by Sen. Charlie Dean was scheduled to get its first vote on Thursday but was temporarily postponed while comments are received on a new version of the bill. The draft language includes what the Sierra Club says would be a prohibition on stronger local fertilizer ordinances. "We are decidedly not happy about that," said a club spokesman.

Environmental scientist Robert L. Knight says he agrees with utility and industry groups that contend Florida already has the regulatory tools it needs to protect springs. Unlike those groups, he said a draft Senate bill is needed to protect springs because political will has been lacking to enforce environmental laws. A link to a full interview transcript is provided. ... Related Research: Draft springs legislation, comments and letters.

This is the fourth consecutive session in which Rep. Jimmy Patronis has filed a bill triggering opposition from environmentalists. This year's version would allow 30-year permits for developments of regional impact, extend "right to farm" provisions to amended local springs and wetlands regulations and require DEP to consider the cost of any new greenhouse gas regulations that are required by the federal government.

John H. Trefry, a Florida Institute of Technology professor, told the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation that 5 million to 7 million cubic yards of foul muck covers portions of the Indian River Lagoon and has helped kill 47,000 acres of sea grass. He gave each senator a quart-size bag of muck with the warning not to open them. ... Related Research: Presentation by John H. Trefry to Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation.

Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, is soliciting comments on draft springs legislation and expects to file a bill within 30 days. "I'm looking at a comprehensive methodology for saving and preserving our water resources," he said.

Speakers on a webinar dealing with springs watershed planning said regulations are needed to address over-pumping and fertilizer use near springs. "There are a lot of people who don't want regulations," former Springs Task Force Chairman Jim Stevenson said. "We do need some regulations." ... Related Research: Sept. 18, 2013 1000 Friends of Florida springs webinar presentation.

The governor said Monday that $10 million will be combined with $27 million from cities and other partners on projects to protect springs. "Florida's springs are important to animal and plant life and help support Florida's booming tourism industry," Scott said in a prepared statement. ... Related Research: Patricia Siemen letter to Gov. Rick Scott, DEP springs projects costs, descriptions [XLS], and other releases and reports.

The 2013-14 state budget passed by the House and Senate included $2 million going to the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute for water quality monitoring equipment. The request, though, was among $27.3 million in water projects vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott. ... Related Research: Monitoring devices fact sheet, memos, Scott's veto message and other information.

HB 999 dealing faced the most opposition from environmental groups while business and industry groups supported the environmental permitting measure. There also were some noncontroversial bills that were signed including HB 277, which partially implements a 2008 constitutional amendment by exempting renewable energy devices from property tax assessments. ... Related Research: Various veto requests, praise for signing, and a list of all bills signed into law Thursday.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Tuesday held a workshop to consider changes in labeling requirements for urban turf fertilizers. Sierra Club Florida representative Cris Costello said she's concerned that the rule change could become a "backdoor attempt" to ban local fertilizer ordinances, similar to attempts in the past seven legislative sessions. ... Related Research: May 28, 2013 Draft proposed fertilizer rule changes.

HB 999 faces opposition from environmental groups and former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Miami Lakes, but has support from business and industry groups. Environmental groups were particularly opposed to language banning local fertilizer ordinances and exempting local drainage districts from local wetlands regulations.

Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, noted Wednesday there is an amendment to remove the sections of SB 1684 dealing with wetlands and he said the fertilizer section in the House bill would be left out of his Senate bill. Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Miami Lakes, was at the Capitol this week to lobby against the bill and its House companion, HB 999.

SB 1808 would ratify a deal between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calling on the state to set nitrogen and phosphorus limits for waterways. The bill faced opposition from environmental groups but had support from business and farm groups along with cities and counties.

The Senate passes SB 1808, which would help the Florida Department of Environmental Protection implement a water quality agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The House approved an amendment to HB 999 that would place a three-year moratorium on new local fertilizer ordinances beyond a state model ordinance.