Environmentalists are heading to court to try to stop a plan to drill for oil in the watershed of a vulnerable north Florida river. The challenge brought by the conservation group Apalachicola Riverkeeper against the state's environmental protection agency comes as the department has faced a wave of pushback from advocates who argue the state is inadequately protecting public lands and waters.
Apalachicola Riverkeeper is challenging a decision by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to grant initial approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in the Apalachicola River watershed, approximately 50 miles southwest of Tallahassee in the rural Panhandle region. The ecosystem is recognized as a global hotspot of biodiversity, with the highest species density of amphibians and reptiles in North America, according to UNESCO.
In April, DEP issued a formal notice of its intent to grant an exploratory drilling permit to Clearwater Land & Minerals FLA, LLC.
"It's mindboggling," said Susan Anderson, executive director of Apalachicola Riverkeeper. "How can they justify allowing an activity that is by any land use definition incompatible with (...) one of the most significant environmental areas in the world?"
In the notice announcing its plan to issue a permit, DEP staff wrote that the company's proposal met requirements set out in state law, which bans drilling within a mile of a freshwater stream unless satisfied that natural resources will be adequately protected.
"The applicant has submitted all information required (...) and adequately demonstrated that activities will be conducted in conformance with applicable rules,"
The department's notice reads. Representatives for the drilling company did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
The state agency told AP, "Since this matter is in active litigation, DEP is limited in its ability to comment further."
The challenge is scheduled before an administrative law judge in Tallahassee on Monday, kicking off what's expected to be a week of hearings on this issue.
For years, advocates have fought to protect the Apalachicola River basin and its wild stretch of salt marshes, moss-laden cypress trees and towering limestone bluffs. The region was once known for its bustling commercial fishing industry which produced 10% of oysters sold in the U.S. Recent efforts have been made by advocates and government officials investing millions into restoring this imperiled ecosystem affected by drought and overfishing.
This legal challenge arises amid widespread public criticism towards what environmentalists claim as inadequate protection efforts by Florida's agencies regarding their natural heritage.
"Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative."