In the News
Congressman Byron Donalds Files Bill to Keep Federal Government Monitoring Algal Blooms
Even during a possible government shutdown, Congressman Byron Donalds wants the federal government to continue monitoring waterways for harmful algal blooms. That’s the first bill Donalds has introduced during his tenure as the representative for Florida’s 19th congressional district.
Floridians Have the Right to Know if our Waters are Safe
For generations, Floridians have worshiped Florida’s iconic waters. They are likely the reason many people came to Florida, to swim, fish, paddle, ski, dive and enjoy all forms of watery recreation under sunny skies. Florida waters have always instilled some special recognition.
Caloosahatchee and EAA Reservoirs at the Top of Water District Work Last Year
The South Florida Water Management District recently released its annual environment report, which details various projects the agency is working on throughout the 16-county district. One of the most important projects for Southwest Florida coastal water quality, the Caloosahatchee Reservoir…
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 25
John Cassani brings on local advocate, Cat Chase to talk about phosphate mining and radioactive phosphogypsum toxic waste. Calusa Waterkeeper, among many other groups locally and across the nation, legally petitioned the EPA to demand improved federal regulatory oversight of radioactive phosphogypsum waste.
One Million Gallons of Untreated Wastewater Spilled in Charlotte County
A million gallons of untreated wastewater spilled in a Southwest Florida county, in the middle of crews working to improve the area’s sewage system. Although a majority of the spill was vacuumed up, almost 200,000 gallons ended up in the soil.
Fort Myers Forced to Take Responsibility for its Chronic Pollution of Area Waters
For decades, the city of Fort Myers has polluted its surrounding waters, often with raw sewage. Now, a reckoning is at hand. After months of investigation and negotiation with the city, the FDEP has proposed a consent order that encompasses years of slow leaks, gushing spills, equipment failures and oversight lapses.
Army Corps Looking to Lower Lake Okeechobee Levels Now Through Start of Rainy Season
Friday the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it would set Lake Okeechobee flows for the coming week at 2,000 cubic feet per second at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam, the eastern edge of the Caloosahatchee estuary.
Fort Myers City Leaders Seek Answers in DEP Fine
Fort Myers City Manager Saeed Kazemi said water testing would show that there’s no trace of “human fecals”. But the non-profit organization Calusa Waterkeeper has said otherwise. The DEP says the city has “not addressed or eliminated loading to water bodies of untreated human waste, which poses a risk to human health”.
City of Fort Myers Facing $500k Fine for Dumping Wastewater into Waterways
The City Of Fort Myers is allegedly facing a fine of more than $500,000 for the “repeated discharge of wastewater” into Billy’s Creek and the Caloosahatchee. Fort Myers Mayor, Kevin Anderson, said that the City will make changes to protect its waterways.
FDEP Hits Fort Myers with $500,000 in Civil Penalties for Sewer Plant Leaks
Fort Myers is facing more than $500,000 in civil penalties for repeated discharge of untreated wastewater into waterways, including Billy’s Creek and the Caloosahatchee River, and for other violations involving the city’s wastewater system.
Gov. DeSantis Pushing $100M for Septic Tank Conversion Projects to Improve Water Quality
Septic tank leakage is one of the top causes of damaging nutrients flowing to Florida’s ailing waterways, but the state is looking to cut down on that pollution through a $100 million program that’s part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget.
Amazonian River Monster Discovered in the Caloosahatchee River
Over the weekend, a woman walking through Cape Coral’s Jaycee Park came across an enormous dead fish that puzzled her. After posting a photo to social media, the fish was quickly identified as an arapaima: a 5 and a half foot long Amazon River predator.
