Hurricane Ian’s Ecological Impacts Unfold as Pollution Pours into SWFL Waterways

There’s no debate that Hurricane Ian was a disaster for Southwest Florida, leaving many homeless and thousands without power.

But for right now, an ecological disaster is still unfolding, as pollution pouring into our waterways threatens to impair our waters for years to come.

When it comes to pollution, places like the Old Bridge Marina in North Fort Myers are a good example of the problems caused by Hurricane Ian. Debris was scattered into the wind, and many boats were sunk, leaving massive oil slicks at the surface.

The pollution there is a microcosm of what’s happening all over Southwest Florida, with very real consequences.

“The volume of stormwater loaded with pollutants, the sanitary sewer overflows, sewage problems are widespread right now,” said John Cassani, from Calusa Waterkeeper.

Even though boil water notices have been lifted in Lee County, Calusa Waterkeeper is handing out free water test kits to make sure tap water isn’t still contaminated by sewage.