Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
How Much Nitrogen Pollution is on Our Waterways?
While people love living along the canals in Cape Coral, recently the question was raised, “how much nutrient pollution is actually getting into these canals?” The answer is thousands of pounds of nitrogen, according to documents released during the Chiquita Lock removal hearings in December.
Hearing on Chiquita Lock Concludes
A hearing to determine whether the state should issue a permit allowing the city of Cape Coral to remove the Chiquita Lock concluded Wednesday afternoon. Groups await a written decision by Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Van Wyk, which will be a recommended final order.
Chiquita Lock Hearing Resumed this Week
The hearing was continued after extensive questioning of experts concerning the water pollution generated by Cape Coral ran longer than expected. Petitioners also pointed out that Cape Coral has long held a permit to update the lock with improvements that would benefit wildlife, boaters, and water quality.
Statement of J. Michael Hannon, Petitioners’ Representative in the Chiquita Lock Removal Case
John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus, in testimony at the trial on the removal of the Chiquita Boat Lock, exposed major failings in the FDEP which allow the City of Cape Coral to continue polluting the waters of Matlacha Pass and the Caloosahatchee without adverse consequences.
Florida Posts ‘cryptic’ Public Notice for Proposed Changes to Estero Bay Preserve
Some environmental advocates and researchers are concerned that a detrimental change may be planned for the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, which has been under state protections since 1966. The state published a public notice recently that gave very little details, only that a change will be proposed in 2024.
Case Against Chiquita Lock Removal Continues
Plaintiffs who are fighting the removal of the Chiquita Lock in Cape Coral have been granted the opportunity to move forward and pursue their claims on the merits of the case.
The Fight Over the Chiquita Lock Removal is Heading to Trial
The fight over the removal of Chiquita Lock is heading to trial, with Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Van Wyk ruling that the lawsuit can proceed. This comes after multiple nonprofit environmental organizations, including Calusa Waterkeeper was forced to withdraw as petitioners from the legal challenge.
Despite Objection by Cape Coral, Challenge to Remove Chiquita Boat Lock Advances
According to documents filed on Oct. 31, Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Van Wyk ordered that the petition to challenge the removal was timely filed after holding an evidentiary hearing in late August and September.
Tampa Bay Waterkeeper and Businesses Send Support to Neighbors Impacted by Hurricane Ian
The Calusa Waterkeeper organization wishes to thank our friends and partners at Tampa Bay Waterkeeper for blessing us with a contribution to support our testing operations and recovery from Hurricane Ian impacts.
Calusa Waterkeepers Create Oyster Gardens to Aid Water Quality
You may be keeping our waterways cleaner the next time you order oysters at dinner. The Calusa Waterkeeper, a non-profit organization, has been creating vertical oyster gardens made from recycled shells from local restaurants.
High Fecal Bacteria at Lee County Beaches Trigger Warnings
Lee County’s health department warns residents to avoid the water at local beaches due to high fecal bacteria levels that could cause illness. Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral’s Yacht Club beaches had unsafe levels of Enterococcus bacteria.
Blue-Green Algae Toxins are a Human Health Risk
A recent News-Press article (“Well-known FGCU professor accused of downplaying blue-green algae by water advocate”) overlooks the principal barrier to public understanding of Florida’s persistent blue-green algae – the calibration of exposure to risk.