The below is great news and a precedent action for the protection of a cave like Mill Creek Sink. Today, the highest law enforcement official in the state of Florida has intervened because there is a potential for damage to a water filled cave from actions occurring on another's property. This is great news for us and an incentive to remain positive because cave divers have the moral high ground since our aim is to protect Florida's assets. which is one purpose of the statute cited and is terrific news.
The statute cited 403.412(5) Environmental Protection Act.-- states in part:
5) In any administrative, licensing, or other proceedings authorized by law for the protection of the air, water, or other natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment, or destruction, the Department of Legal Affairs, a political subdivision or municipality of the state, or a citizen of the state shall have standing to intervene as a party on the filing of a verified pleading asserting that the activity, conduct, or product to be licensed or permitted has or will have the effect of impairing, polluting, or otherwise injuring the air, water, or other natural resources of the state.
Attorney General Crist's intervention sets the precedent for us as citizens of the state the right to intervene even if the political subdivision involved refuses to lift a finger. It puts the developer in a position to defend their actions before their activities commence.
Regards /Ken
AG's Letter Below
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OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE CAPITOL
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-1050
CHARLIE CRIST
Attorney General
State of Florida
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: JoAnn Carrin
March 28, 2006
850-245-0150
Crist: Wakulla Springs Must Be Protected
TALLAHASSEE – Attorney General Charlie Crist today filed a petition
to intervene in a challenge to a proposed permit renewal involving Wakulla
Springs. Both Wakulla Springs and the Wakulla River are classified as
Outstanding Florida Waters which require greater protection by law.
Wakulla Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most appealing tourist
attractions.
The Attorney General’s petition seeks to join challenges to the
pending proposed permit renewal which the City of Tallahassee is seeking.
Wakulla County, the Florida Wildlife Federation and a citizen of the county
filed those challenges based upon concerns that excessive nitrogen
pollution from the city’s sprayfields has and will continue to damage the
river and the springs.
“Wakulla Springs as one of our most pristine and valued bodies of
water must be protected for future generations,â€