Aquifers are vast, underground systems of porous rocks that hold water and allow water to move through the holes within the rock.
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More than 200 million gallons of contaminated water have leaked into the Floridan aquifer. One of the highest producing aquifers in the world, it underlies all of Florida and extends into southern Alabama, Georgia, and SC.
“You would nearly have to test our well every week for the next ten years and come back clean for us to believe it”, said Wood.
Mosaic is working to recover the toxic wastewater, but says the process could take months to complete.
The sinkhole, discovered by a worker on August 27th, is believed to reach down to the Floridan aquifer, the company said.
“Within a couple of days, DEP was informed and on site”.
Environmentalists in Florida continue to be concerned about a 45-foot wide sinkhole recently opened up in Polk County.
The sinkhole opened up near the stack and damaged the lining of the base. The testing will be conducted by ECT Environmental Consulting & Technology – which has several offices in Florida including one in Tampa – and Mosaic will cover all costs.
Phosphogypsum is a fertilizer waste product and typically stores in stacks.
The 215-million gallon storage pond sat atop the waste mineral pile.
The company says they have also increased the number of monitoring wells, and that they’ve found nothing wrong. These violations led to last year’s legal settlement and the company’s public commitment to become more environmentally friendly.
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Environmental groups aren’t convinced, though. Florida is a key center of phosphate mining. “I don’t think any of us know the ramifications that we are looking at from this”, said protester Bruce Mullins. “These phosphate companies are playing roulette with our public waters”.
