This PSA explains the impacts to radioactive phosphogypsum toxic waste stacks due to climate change and rising sea levels.
SIGN PETITION TO THE EPA: https://phosphogypsumfreeamerica.org
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Phosphogypsum Online Workshop Clips
The online workshop that was held on facebook March 8th, 2021, covered information about radioactive phosphogypsum toxic waste, the harm it causes to public health and the environment, and more.
The online workshop was about an hour and half.
Below are the cut sections from each speaker.
On the Lighter Side – Or is it Darker side?
On the Lighter Side – Or is it Darker side?
“A Simple Plot” by the Daily Show with Jon Stewart
About the episode:
Aasif Mandvi uncovers a far-reaching corporate conspiracy involving two-headed fish, a giant agribusiness called Simplot, and the pollution of Idaho’s rivers.
Watch 6 minute episode below:
https://www.cc.com/video/jucn2a/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-a-simple-plot
Phosphogypsum Online Public Workshop Recap
Full recap of phosphogypsum Online Public Workshop held March 8th on Facebook Live.
We heard from community members living near radioactive gypstacks in St. James Parish, LA, Mulberry, FL, Riverview, FL, Palmetto, FL and Pascagoula, MS. We also shared ways to collectively take action to protect our health and the environment from radioactive phosphogypsum.
PETITIONING THE EPA
EPA Petitioned to Protect Communities, Environment From Radioactive Phosphogypsum Stacks, Wastewater
WASHINGTON— Conservation and public-health groups petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency today to improve federal oversight of the radioactive waste produced by phosphogypsum facilities, including wastewater from phosphoric acid production.
Phosphogypsum and process wastewater from phosphogypsum facilities are currently excluded from certain federal hazardous waste regulations.
Today’s petition asks the EPA to begin overseeing the safe treatment, storage and disposal of phosphogypsum and process wastewater, as required under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Toxic Substances Control Act.
“Many people are living near vulnerable mountains of radioactive, toxic waste known as gypsum stacks without even knowing what they are, let alone the risks to environmental and public health they present,” said Brooks Armstrong, of People for Protecting Peace River. “People living near phosphogypsum stacks, downstream communities, the wider public and wildlife depend on a drinking water supply which flows under these stacks. We deserve maximum protection from these gypsum stacks by our EPA. As of now, we are getting virtually none.”
Phosphogypsum is the radioactive waste from processing phosphate ore into phosphoric acid, which is predominantly used in fertilizer. Radium-226, found in phosphogypsum, has a 1,600-year radioactive decay half-life. In addition to high concentrations of radioactive materials, phosphogypsum and process wastewater can also contain carcinogens and heavy toxic metals like antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, mercury, nickel, silver, sulfur, thallium and zinc.
“These towering stacks of radioactive waste continue to pose an unacceptable risk to the environment and nearby communities,” said Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “They’re prone to massive sinkholes and spills that put our groundwater and recreational waters at risk and threaten public health. The EPA must face the facts and act quickly to avert the next environmental disaster.”
The petition asks the EPA, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Toxic Substances Control Act, to:
- Reverse its 1991 regulatory determination that excludes phosphogypsum and process wastewater from hazardous waste regulations;
- Govern the safe treatment, storage and disposal of phosphogypsum and process wastewater as hazardous wastes;
- Initiate the process for designating phosphogypsum and process wastewater as high-priority substances for risk evaluation;
- Require manufacturers to conduct testing on phosphogypsum and process wastewater; and
- Determine that the use of phosphogypsum in road construction is a significant new use that requires a determination on whether it is safe.
TO READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE, VISIT:
TO SIGN THE PETITION TO THE EPA, VISIT:
NOTICE OF PHOSPHATE MINING PUBLIC WORKSHOP
The DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Workshop on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, beginning at 9:00 A.M. at the Turner Agri Civic Center (2250 NE Roan Street) in Arcadia.
TOPIC: PHOSPHATE MINING WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMS
Presenters will include:
- Mike J. Coates, P.G., Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority
- Shannon Gonzalez, PWS, Flatwoods Consulting Group
- Sheri A. Huelster, Cardno
- Anthony J. Janicki, Ph.D., Janicki Environmental, Inc.
After the presentations and Board discussion, the public will have an opportunity to address the Board and present relevant information on the topic being discussed at the Workshop for 3 minutes each, unless otherwise allowed by the Chairman. The meeting will end at the conclusion of the presentations and the discussion.
Members of the public who wish to present written materials are encouraged to submit such materials to the Board at least 5 business days prior to the Workshop. No formal action concerning phosphate mining will be taken by the Board at the Workshop.
The meeting is open to the public. However, if you would prefer to participate virtually:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99408255901?pwd=dEhxMUhLUENsQUhKMlFVY01FREJPZz09
Meeting ID: 994 0825 5901; Passcode: 719286
One tap mobile: +16465588656,,99408255901#,,,,*719286# US
If special accommodations are required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals should contact the County Administrator’s Office by calling 863-993-4800 at least forty-eight hours prior to the Workshop.
Environmentalists sue over plan to allow radioactive phosphogypsum in roads
Environmentalists sue over plan to allow radioactive phosphogypsum in roads. The product comes from phosphate mining, which is big business in Florida.
To learn more, visit this article:
https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/12/18/environmentalists-sue-over-plan-to-allow-radioactive-phosphogypsum-in-roads/
Riverview phosphogypsum stack and processing plant that sit right on Tampa Bay, Florida.
EPA approves use of radioactive phosphogypsum in roads
EPA approves use of radioactive phosphogypsum in roads, reversing long-held policy. Supported by the fertilizer industry, the change holds major ramifications for Florida.
To learn more, visit this article:
https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/10/14/epa-approves-use-of-radioactive-phosphogypsum-in-roads-reversing-long-held-policy/
Riverview phosphogypsum stack and processing plant that sit right on Tampa Bay, Florida.
Desoto County Should Stand Its Ground
Article published in the Arcadian April 18, 2019 is a good review of what lead up to the April 23, 2019 DeSoto BOCC meeting on the mediation settlement agreement under consideration: