SEPTIC TANK AND SEWAGE TREATMENT LAWSUIT
News Service of Florida---TALLAHASSEE — After a record number of manatee deaths last year , an environmental group has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the state is violating the Endangered Species Act because of septic tanks and sewagetreatment plants discharging into the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County . The Indian River Lagoon is a vital habitat for manatees , particularly during the winter . But many manatees have died of starvation because of a lack of seagrass , which is a key source of food .
The lawsuit , filed Friday by the non-profit group Bear Warriors United , alleges that nitrogen discharged from septic tanks and sewage-treatment plants has led to algae blooms that have destroyed seagrass beds . The group , in part , is seeking an injunction requiring the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to “ permanently cease its authorization and permitting of the discharge of nitrogen from septic tanks and wastewater plants ” into the northern part of the lagoon . The lawsuit , filed in Orlando , also seeks a declaration that the department has violated the Endangered Species Act by allowing discharges . Manatees are classified as a threatened
12 DITCHMEN • OCTOBER 2022