Stop Lake Okeechobee Discharges

The impacted estuaries rely on a delicate mix of salt and fresh water to sustain sea grass, oyster beds, and a multitude of species that inhabit their waters. Inundated by releases of polluted freshwater, the estuaries have suffered tremendous damage. Toxic algal blooms have suffocated over 30,000 acres of seagrass, threatened human health, and killed countless seabirds, manatees, and dolphins. Click here for the history of Florida's Green Slime.

Skin contact with cyanotoxins can cause irritation of the skin (rash or skin blisters), eyes, nose and throat, and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Swallowing water containing high concentrations can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Effects on the liver and nervous system of animals and people have also been documented in severe cases. At the southern end of the state, the lack of freshwater has caused a “near catastrophic” seagrass die off due to hyper salinity.

1. Restore the historic flow of water to the Everglades and Florida Bay. Acquire necessary lands in the EAA for water storage to restore flow to the Everglades and Florida Bay, and avoid polluted discharges into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries.
2. Fund the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). CERP was approved by Congress in 2000 to “restore, preserve, and protect the south Florida ecosystem.” Congress must provide sufficient funding to fully fund all authorized CERP projects.  
3. Protect upstream wetlands and tributaries. Implement the EPA Waters of the US Rule to protect upstream wetlands and tributaries.