Water-Related News

Senate Committee hears about Kings Bay cleanup while environmentalists protest in Tampa

By Bruce Ritchie

A Senate committee on Thursday heard about a volunteer effort to remove algae from Kings Bay while some environmental groups used a federal hearing in Tampa to criticize the state on water quality.

Meanwhile, three water management districts have submitted proposed springs restoration projects totaling more than $43 million. A Florida Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman said a list of possible projects is being developed should funding become available.

Springs across Florida have become choked with weeds and algae, fueled by nitrogen in groundwater. Nitrogen sources include sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, fertilizer, livestock operations and dirty stormwater runoff.

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