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Business united against EPA water rules, says cost is too high

WFSU – July 28, 2011

TALLAHASSEE, FL (wfsu) – Business and industry groups say Florida residents will have to pay more if the new federal water pollution standards go into effect. The state is the only one in the nation to get the federally-imposed rules. The industry groups made their case before an independent panel of scientists Tuesday in Orlando, as Lynn Hatter reports.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants Florida to reduce phosphorous and nitrogen in its waterways. Utility groups say that will cost an additional 700-dollars per-customer-per year. Meanwhile the agriculture industry is worried about having to convert farmland into waste water retention ponds. Richard Budell is with the Florida Department of Agriculture.

“It’s costly to get there, and it’s questionable whether Florida will adopt the nutrient standards. If it doesn’t , the EPA will.”

Business and industry groups want the EPA to repeal the rules, but environmentalists say the state should pay whatever is necessary to ensure clean water. The independent panel will release a report on the cost-estimates in February.

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