Stuart, Fla. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the sixth episode of his documentary series, The Tortured Coast.  The series highlights the human and environmental toll from the toxic Lake Okeechobee discharges: business being forced to shut down, people getting sick, animals dying and critical habitats being destroyed. 

The sixth episode highlights efforts to keep Lake Okeechobee lower during the dry season to prevent discharges during the wet season.  Keeping Lake Okeechobee lower during the winter could mitigate the need for discharges in the summer without costing taxpayers any additional money.  The episode also recaps the August 17, 2018 meeting between Rep. Mast, South Florida Water Management District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior and others. 

Shortly after filming, it was revealed that the algae at the St. Lucie Lock and Dam during the filming of this episode was nearly 50 times more toxic than is safe for human contact.

Those interested can sign up to get the episodes sent directly to them at www.mast.house.gov/torturedcoast.

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