POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the green light to a pilot project that will use phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate mining, in road construction in Florida. This decision has sparked outrage from environmental groups who warn of potential health and environmental risks.
The EPA approved the proposal from Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC, to construct four test sections of road using different mixtures of phosphogypsum in the road base material at their New Wales facility in Polk County.
READ: Federal Judge Dismisses Challenge To Florida Transgender Sports Ban
Phosphogypsum, a waste product from phosphate fertilizer production, contains elevated levels of naturally occurring radioactive elements. It is typically stored in massive stacks, raising concerns about potential groundwater contamination and radiation exposure.
Despite receiving numerous comments opposing the project, the EPA concluded that the pilot project poses minimal risks. “Results from multiple modeling efforts indicate that risks due to the proposed pilot project are low,” the EPA stated.
However, environmental advocates are fiercely criticizing the decision.
Ragan Whitlock, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a written statement that the EPA’s decision was “mind-boggling.”
READ: WATCH: Police In Florida Spread Holiday Cheer With $100 “Secret Santa” Traffic Stops
“That dramatically increases the potential for harm to our road crews and water quality,” Whitlock said. “The EPA has bowed to political pressure from the phosphate industry and paved the way for this dangerous waste to be used in roads all over the country.”
This controversy comes on the heels of a 2023 Florida law authorizing the state Department of Transportation to study the use of phosphogypsum in road projects.
The EPA maintains that the approval is limited to this specific pilot project and does not extend to broader use. However, environmental groups remain wary and vow to fight the decision, citing potential long-term consequences for Florida’s environment and public health.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.