Nobody should lack access to clean and safe water, but sadly, that’s the reality for people in our community nearly every summer when the Army Corps dumps toxic water on us.  

That is why yesterday I introduced three bills that, taken together, will make certain people are notified of health impacts before discharges happen when there are algal blooms, prohibit discharges altogether when the water tests above the EPA’s toxicity standard for human contact and mandate that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prioritize public health in all of their decision making.

Here’s how:

The Toxic Health Threat Warning Act would protect public health in Florida by requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to notify impacted areas of potential health impacts before discharging water containing blue-green algae.

The Stop Poisoning Florida Act would prohibit discharges from Lake Okeechobee at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam and the St. Lucie Lock and Dam when the water exceeds the toxicity level that the EPA has determined is too toxic for human contact.

The Protect Florida Act would amend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ operations to require them to prioritize public health when managing water infrastructure in Florida.  

The Army Corps has proven that, if left to their own devices, they will continue to poison our communities, and as a result, our community has been treated as Florida’s septic tank for far too long. My legislation would put an end to that practice immediately.

The bottom line is this: I will keep fighting to stop the toxic discharges and ensure safe water for all!