WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the introduction of the Stop Harmful Discharges Act, which would establish a requirement that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prioritizes human health and safety, U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today questioned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during Congressional testimony and secured a commitment to work together on addressing human health and safety priorities surrounding Lake Okeechobee.

Watch here:

Link: https://www.facebook.com/RepBrianMast/videos/1948011115495973/

Excerpt of the exchange:

Rep. Mast: “Can you work with me on addressing the fact that this issue—this human health and safety issue that is related to water quality—is not listed in this Chief’s report?  Can your office, can the Corps, work with me on making that a piece of a Chief’s report when managing this system?”

Major General Scott Spellmon, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: “Yes, sir.  We’d welcome this dialogue with you and your team.”

 

Background:

On Tuesday, September 3, 2018, Rep. Mast introduced the Stop Harmful Discharges Act, which is new legislation prioritizing public health and safety to stop harmful discharges that have plagued the east and west coasts of Florida.  The Stop Harmful Discharges Act makes public health and safety, including prevention of toxic cyanobacteria and the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike, the primary project purpose for the management of Lake Okeechobee. 

Read more about the bill here.

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