This afternoon (07/01/10) United States District Court Judge, Henry Lee Adams, ordered a 28-day restraining order on any mining activities at the South Fort Meade Mine Extension in Hardee County. A hearing for preliminary injunction has been scheduled for July 22, 2010 at the US Courthouse in Jacksonville, FL.
The Restraining Order follows a Complaint filed by Sierra Club, 3PR, and Manasota-88, on June 30. The Complaint alleged violations of the Clean Water and the National Environmental Policy Act by the Army Corps of Engineers. The plaintiffs demonstrated “likelihood of success in their claims that The Corps acted in a manner that was arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to the law.” The Order went on to state that ” the public interest favors the issuance of a temporary restraining order to protect these resources (the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor) and the natural environment until the case can be resolved on the merits.”
Dennis Mader
Pres. 3PR