As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida’s west coast with its fierce winds and heavy rainfall, concerns arise among environmentalists over the potential spread of hazardous waste from the state’s phosphate fertilizer mining industry across the peninsula and into sensitive waterways. The storage of over 1 billion tons of slightly radioactive phosphogypsum waste in stacks poses a significant risk of leakage during severe storms. Most of these waste stacks, concentrated around phosphate mines and processing plants in central Florida, lie in the forecasted path of Hurricane Milton.
Environmentalists caution against the proximity of these vulnerable sites to major waterways, labeling them as potential disasters waiting to happen. Phosphogypsum, a waste byproduct of phosphate ore processing for fertilizer production, contains radioactive radium and radon gas, known to pose health risks including cancer. Additionally, the waste may harbor toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead, increasing environmental concerns.
The impending Hurricane Milton, projected as at least a Category 3 storm with winds nearing 130 mph, a potential storm surge of 8-12 feet, and heavy rainfall, raises alarms due to the history of damaging effects from previous events like Hurricane Frances in 2004. The Piney Point wastewater reservoir along Tampa Bay faces particular scrutiny, having experienced structural issues and significant leaks in the past, exacerbating concerns over potential environmental impacts.
The critical issue of managing hazardous waste in the face of inclement weather is underscored by the bankruptcy of the former owner of the Piney Point site, leaving it under the jurisdiction of a court-appointed receiver. The nation’s largest phosphate producer, The Mosaic Company, which operates near Tampa Bay, is also under scrutiny following incidents like the 2016 spill that contaminated the state’s drinking water aquifer.
Amid preparations for Hurricane Milton, industry actors like The Mosaic Company emphasize their readiness through the review and enhancement of response plans and systems. The importance of mitigating risks posed by hazardous waste in areas like the Tampa Bay region, which houses infamous toxic waste sites, and taking necessary precautions to safeguard public health and the environment during major weather events are key focal points for authorities and agencies involved in environmental protection and disaster management.
