Floridan aquifer – Save the Floridan Aquifer "Let the voice be heard!
The Floridan Aquifer, technically known as the Florida aquifer, is one of the largest aquifer systems and productive in the world. Florida's aquifer provides water for irrigation, domestic, agricultural and industrial livestock, plants, wildlife and especially drinking water to the vast majority of Floridians in throughout the state. Obviously, for this reason, Floridan aquifer is an important natural resource that must be protected against the aquifer storage and recovery of deep wells and injection wells used for injecting partially treated sewage wastewater.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) is the injection of untreated water or partially treated that meets quality standards water for drinking water or groundwater directly into the aquifer ASR injection well for future use. Or, at least in the State Florida, which was the original intention as I understand. The concept of aquifer storage and recovery, as the Department of Environmental Protection is that the functions of the aquifer as a storage facility where water is abundant. When water is in demand due to scarcity, water injected can be recovered for use as drinking water, irrigation or other uses. The level of treatment required after storage depends on the use of water, either for public consumption of drinking water, increasing surface water, irrigation or improve wetlands. At that time, there are 18 aquifer storage and recovery well fields in Florida, with about 65 wells each, according Ministry of Environment Protection.
Sounds like a reasonable solution to water shortages if done properly, laws, rules and regulations are respected but not always the case. Today, ASR, apparently no longer confined to the storage and retrieval drinking water and groundwater quality. In my opinion, a special permit may be issued to Department of Environmental Protection for storing partially treated effluent directly into the aquifer in Florida, our main source of drinking water wells in very shallow ASR (500 meters).
In many parts of Florida, sewage and partially treated sewage effluent other toxic from various sources is pumped into deep wells of at least 1,000 to 2,000 meters deep and deeper into the aquifer Florida at depths up to and beyond where you have access to drinking water. The purpose of these wells, 1,000 feet deep or more, is not to store or retrieve, but instead of sewage – forever.
In theory, the injection wells in deep waters waste does not affect drinking water or the environment because the injection is so deep, well below the Floridan Aquifer. I and many others do not think so. There have been studies of the environment in areas where there were deep-well injection. Scientific studies indicate that negative impacts on the Florida Aquifer, environment, sea water, coral reefs, fish, sea turtles and other marine species. Other studies are conducted.
The Floridan Aquifer is an underground river is surrounded by porous rock. Water in the groundwater flow Floridan aquifer through channels or veins like caves and flows through the veins near the water surrounding porous rock aquifer ..
Water levels and water pressure in the aquifer fluctuate water demand increases and decreases.
During periods of drought, the wells used for irrigation are in great demand. This translates into low water levels and the reduced pressure in the vein of the aquifer that feeds the wells. Common sense dictates that if a particular sense of the aquifer experiencing low pressure due low water, and the veins near suffer high blood pressure due to high water levels, water flows through walls of rock veins porous aquifer with high water levels to replenish the vein of low water. Water seeks its own level, everyone knows.
We were led to believe that water is injected into the aquifer through wells Florida aquifer storage and recovery is always contained in the injection site, may be recovered, and will not cause a problem. This is not true at all. Water is mixed with water from the aquifer of the cave was injected and flows great distances in a short period of time of injection through the vein into which is injected into the veins of the other porous walls of the aquifer, in other caves in the aquifer, and beyond, is likely to achieve local wells, and is also known to surface as springs on land and sea
In other In other words, once injected is gone forever and the recovery of the injected water is virtually impossible.
In many places across the state, the Floridan aquifer comes to the surface of the earth as springs that feed rivers and streams. Many of these springs not only on land but at sea, flowing into the oceans and rivers around Florida.
Since Florida is a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, ASR is risky to say the least, it could be a very serious threat for the Floridan Aquifer, our main source of drinking water to residents of Florida and the environment in general and in the sea
Growth has been out of control in many areas across the state of Florida, the fourth largest state in the United States Due the high population, the quality of drinking water and irrigation water is scarce, especially during dry periods. Our state simply does no water or wastewater treatment infrastructure needed to sustain population growth in some of these areas. Many communities continue to use outdated treatment technology more.
Aquifer storage and recovery of effluent water sewage and other wastewater is a weapon of mass destruction!
wastewater effluent is highly toxic, known to contain bacteria deadly virus remains pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, many toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, chemicals and organic volatile pesticides and herbicides, fluoride, arsenic and heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury and zinc.
Protect yourself, your children and their pets: Do not drink well water for irrigation ASR Intended! Still not let touch your skin! Do not drink your water hose!
Wastewater effluent effects of all kinds of mammals, including humans. Products Toxic chemicals in waste water was found to cause cancer, reproductive problems, nervous disorders, injuries kidney and liver, is highly toxic to humans, especially pregnant women, infants, children, seniors and persons with disabilities Immunity.
skin eating disease is increasing in Florida. Reclaimed water from wells for irrigation may contain ASR bacterium.
Here in Florida we have a very valuable and diverse ecosystem, and delicate. birds too numerous to mention, many of our plants, animals, fish, and are in danger of extinction. The last thing we need in Florida are the negative effects on the environment associated with the injection of sewage effluent and waste into the Florida Aquifer ASR wells.
Evidence is accumulating about the devastating effects of deep injection wells for wastewater. It is increasingly obvious to many, especially to owners of private wells swimmers, surfers, fishermen and divers. Coastal areas near the sites of deep well know a lot of irreparable damage. The Coral reefs are dying, red tides, increasing the proliferation of algae, aquatic plants (freshwater and saltwater) disappear, the health of sea turtles are endangered species endangered fish numbers are declining, and marine life in general, suffers adverse effects of deep well injection. This is true, ASR wells to be so shallow (500 – 1000 meters) can cause new problems environment.
Recently, a new ASR well was built in Rockledge, Florida for storing water from the partially treated sewage and wastewater. Rockledge ASR project is to create a stir. Storage and Recovery Well Rockledge residents aquifer wastewater injection project many of Rockledge, and around Brevard County and environmental groups as very worried about this controversial issue.
Note: To clarify my terminology partially treated, all hazardous chemicals are not removed from the water before injection. These chemicals are not natural not normally found in the aquifer, and certainly should not be injected into our drinking water.
Rockledge, a small city of about 25,000 people from neighboring countries Cocoa Beach and Indian River Lagoon is located in Brevard County. Many residents living in Brevard County outside the city of Rockledge own private wells used for drinking water and / or irrigation.
The Indian River Lagoon, an important Ecological national resources, is less than half a mile from the well site. Much of the lagoon is located within 1 mile of the well. More than a dozen sources, to create from the aquifer, which flows directly into the lagoon.
Obviously, the city, St Johns River Water Management and Protection Department effects of Florida's environment did not consider the negative environmental impact of experimental well at the Indian River Lagoon.
The intention of the city is the injection of partially treated sewage in ASR and wastewater at a depth of 3 meters to 30 May for use as irrigation water for gardens, golf courses, and agricultural interests during dry periods. The city maintains that it can help protect against water deficit, tightening water restrictions, and affect not local wells used for drinking water outside the radius of a mile.
The construction project Rocklege ASR must be complete in June 2009. The City of Rockledge then request a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection to operate the wells. At this point Rockledge not allowed to inject partially treated sewage wastewater. The permit to operate the property must be changed before the actual injection of wastewater can be made. By law, the evidence will be necessary to determine the extent of the flow taking place from the point of injection other areas within the Floridan Aquifer, the state's major source of potable groundwater.
Being so shallow, only 500 meters, I think this is the first well of its kind in the state of Florida to inject partially treated sewage wastewater. Unfortunately, there are two other ASR wells are constructed on the west coast from Tampa and Fort. Meyers for the same purpose.
city commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the project. Authorities say the sewage effluent will be pumped into the cave contained aquifer is injected and the State does not flow to other areas within the aquifer or otherwise, the effect of water, or cause damage to neighboring wells, or create problems environment.
The authorities also say that water will be treated as drinking water standards. Note: no drinking water standards many hazardous chemicals present in water other than the Act Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Act began there several years. The new rules should be set to our standards, laws and regulations up to date … Many new chemicals, pharmaceuticals for example, have been identified in drinking water across the United States in recent years. The rules have not been established for many of these new chemicals.
A local organization called Save Our Aquifer was formed to stop the injection of sewage and other wastewater effluent from 300 to 500 feet deep, in the new built 500 feet deep, superficial, ASR and drilled directly into the aquifer in Florida. Hundreds of homeowners affected properties in Rockledge responded to "Save Our Aquifer (SOA), expressing its concern about the contribution of aquifers and the proposal to ban drinking water wells. Rockledge residents are concerned the loss of their property and water rights, pollution of their wells and the Indian River lagoon.
Members of Save Our Aquifer lead a campaign against him because they fear the injected water flows from the injection site, local supply contaminated Well Water trash, damage to the environment, and possibly contaminate the water resources field.
At this point, many residents of Rockledge Brevard County and not even know well. The owners of the affected area were not directly informed of the ASR well and the potential impacts on private wells. No public hearing is conducted. Members of Save Our Aquifer trying to inform the public about the risks.
Another concern they have is the loss of residents of water rights. Since 2006 the city had an ordinance banning all drinking water wells in a mile radius of the new wells. Wells used for irrigation are still active. Who wants to take a shower with water contaminated by arsenic and deadly chemicals?
The city supports local wells outside the radius of 1 mile is not effected by the new ASR wells and identified Ordinance prohibiting drinking water wells within one mile an additional security measure. The truth is that officials City of Rockledge have no idea where the flow of water injected or damage which may cause the wells located in Brevard County, outside the limits City of Rockledge.
The city ordinance that prohibits drinking water wells in the radius of a mile from the ASR and 2006 tends to come into conflict with the water demand of city sewer effluent is injected or treated by drinking water standards prior to injection.
Members of Save Our Aquifer, and many others believe in the city's request that the water produced by wells Insurance is totally false.
Officials say the project is not for aquifer recharge or dispose of wastewater. Officials say it is to store water in the aquifer over a short period until it is needed during the dry season for irrigation. Season dryer takes about two months. Al apparently believe that water is going to wait 10 months before being withdrawn for irrigation. I think the water injection is gone …
Many people believe the project Rockledge ASR is not only about storing water. Each city has the problem – what to do with effluent wastewater. This can be a cheap solution to this problem.
Even cheaper than most of the city is really Rockledge Rockledge paying only about half of this project. The other half is paid by a grant to the city by the St. Johns River Water Management District through the water "in Florida and protection program sustainability, a total of $ 670,000.00 and a grant from the Florida Forever Project Development water resources ", for an amount of $ 570,470.00
From what I see on the Internet, having read many studies, in Judging from past performance projects deep injection wells in deep wastewater caused an enormous amount damage to the environment, on and off the coast.
However as demonstrated by many injection ASR surface directly in the source underground drinking water (USDW) will be a total disaster. The injected water will mix with the existing natural water in the aquifer Florida has destroyed our source of drinking water will be paid to other sectors aquifers, springs, wells, and have a negative impact on the environment in general. This does not mean that only a small amount, if any, real water injection does deliver ever.
As I understood, as the Department of Environmental Protection Web site, the injected water to treat water standards drinking. Injection wells should be constructed, operated and maintained so that the injected water remains inside the injection site. Flow of water between aquifers is prohibited. All ASR injection wells are expected to be controlled so that if the flow water to other areas to be detected before reaching the underground source of drinking water. Rockledge will inject treated wastewater directly into the aquifer in Florida, our water source of drinking water …
Most Floridians do not have a clue what happens. Rockledge citizens living within 1 mile of the project have not been notified in writing or asked their opinion of partially treated sewage into underground sources of drinking water before the implementation of the project and ASR
Some residents are aware of this project, so they instead called for a series of questions to city officials, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the St. Johns Water Management. Some questions have been answered. Most of the answers I found to be very difficult to understand the reference standards very technical, regulatory, and technology that a layman can not begin to understand. With the lack of information, questions without answers, and answers confusing questions that have chosen to respond, and around Rockledge residents can not form a complete understanding or opinions about this property and its object.
This project is not widespread as it should. In fact, it seems Rockledge officials are trying to keep secret.
In July, members of Save Our Aquifer has requested permission from the city to post signs on private property with the consent owners, where they could be seen by people traveling to the United States 1. They refused, saying that such signs would be illegal, calling of "snipe" signs.
On November 24, 2008, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida reported in the city of Rockledge its intention to continue Save Our City if the aquifer is not allowed to post signs informing the public about the ASR proposal of the city and private property as well as U.S. 1 and other means by which the owners allowed signs.
December 5, 2008 Rockledge City permission to publish Save Our Aquifer "ASR WELL NO" signs for private property. Save Our Aquifer has paid a deposit of $ 100 with the City of Rockledge and collect leaves permission of the owners of private property in Rockledge, send signals to and educate the community on this issue.
Defend Floridan aquifer is not only our right, it is our responsibility!
ASR injection of waste water "Rockledge test well" (300'-500 shallow ') considered as an "experiment" the scheme will be extended throughout Florida will affecting all Floridians in the future!
If Rockledge, with assistance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, receives permission to continue this project, and you know it will be a model for other cities. Finally, many other cities throughout the state follow suit.
Nobody likes the smell of dead fish!
The aquifer storage project and Rockledge The recovery will be costly in the long term …. Tourism is an important industry in our state. Tourists come to our state to enjoy our beaches, baths sun, fishing, diving and swimming. In just a few years Cocoa Beach and Laguna Indian show the effects of pollution due to ASR. Once this occurs, no more tourists … Nor is the money spent on motels, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, bait shops, sporting goods stores, etc. ..
Clean drinking water and safe is a basic human right!
The injection of this mixture toxic contaminated sludge, chemical-laden contaminate our sole source of drinking water and healthy beverages. ASR injection of wastewater can cause irreversible damage. It is the work of government, local, state and federal governments to protect our water. To maintain and uphold our laws and regulations that protect drinking water. That is why we have the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
Where the government down thinking they can endanger our water supply at the top of our wells used for drinking water and destroy our environment? The government no water! The water belongs to nobody, every human being on the face of this earth has the right to clean water and healthy!
This may be an ecological and economic disaster!
Some communities have abandoned their ASR projects and return to the use of surface storage, ASR They found too expensive.
As one man said: - ASR is the Mother of arms of mass destruction "Injection of this mixture toxic substances, chemical-laden sludge contaminated contaminated our only source of water safe and healthy beverages. The injection of ASR damage waste water may create irreversible.
In time, anyone with a well in Brevard County will have clean water to drink!
In south Florida, home of many wells, structural damage has occurred. Injection wells have caused cracks in the roof of the aquifer Florida, causing the aquifer to fill sand, creating sinkholes. Sinkholes are known to be a direct route for contaminants in the aquifer.
The large fluctuation of water level in a well used for that purpose may cause other problems. I said, "extreme" because dry weather a time of high demand, many Water is drawn from the well every day. During rainy periods, especially when the collars of frog, 10 to 15 inches rain resulting from Hurricane or tropical storms, much water will be pumped into the throat of the RAS and 180 million gallons per year. It makes me wonder how much water will be a treaty or if it is at all before injection during these periods of heavy rain …
This may not only cause problems Structural porous rock over water in the Floridan Aquifer, the pumping of such a large amount of water in the aquifer on a daily increase in the prevalence of arsenic in water. Dangerous levels of arsenic can occur at any time of the surrounding rock aquifer is altered. Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance in most municipalities in Florida. Arsenic is also found in herbicides and pesticides. Arsenic is common in central Florida Water and many drinking water wells.
Something that intrigues me that's why the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida program is always an apology, in fact, a gift to this project. I always felt St. Johns River Water Management District and Florida is always the protection of our resources. In fact, I thought that Florida was still all about the preservation natural areas and protecting our environment.
My thoughts are that in mind the welfare of a solution to the problem of wastewater Rockledge be in a better position to support new growth. I was always amazed at how local politicians are still conducting his campaign on the position to stop the growth, and when the post office to vote on everything you can to encourage growth …
There are other options for storing recycled water and solve the sewage problem. storage area is a much better choice ….
Every community in Brevard County and surrounding counties have similar water problems. Why not get involved neighboring counties, building a large multi-purpose, environmentally safe and inside, in an unincorporated area. Adequately treat water, drinking water standards and pipelines when it is the dry season, bring water for irrigation.
The reservoir and surrounding land could be used for recreational purposes. Hiking boating, fishing, water skiing, picnicking, camping, etc. Golf is very popular here in Florida, building a golf course and country club adjacent to the property. Includes a pool, tennis courts and restaurant. The fees for using the facilities and services of the restaurant and camping with the cost of the project.
Building a new treatment modern water plants on the property, capable of fully treated water to handle the incoming wastewater effluent using energy Sun. Solar power could provide electricity for the entire project. Using solar energy would also reduce federal taxes, if any, associated with the installation.
Most of this project could be financed by federal funds. "Green" this project would probably qualify for government loans low interest rates, including subsidies, I think, especially as our new president pledged to the environment, the green initiative and intends to increase employment by improving and building new infrastructure.
If we can afford to throw billions of our tax dollars, 350 dollars to day I think, a waste companies, banks and mortgage companies that do not obviously know how to manage money, I think politicians can afford to send some money our way! I am not a financial genius and I know that sounds expensive, but it is also the Rockledge ASR project, something to the sum of $ 2,000,000. Not to mention the extremely high cost of continuous monitoring necessary for the operation over $ 100,000 per year. If Rockledge is authorized to operate well, others will be built in the near future.
If any of these wells do not contaminate the aquifer, the cost of cleaning out of sight.
It is now time, land is cheaper today than it has for years. The work is necessary. A project like this not only provide water when needed, if properly managed, that could actually have by profit and the proceeds could be shared by all counties. Benefits can help pay for county services, reduce taxes local real estate and build new schools.
This could help solve the sewage problem, create jobs, increase tourism, improve the local economy, help keep our children from the streets, increase the value of the property, a great improvement in the region, and everyone, offering something could benefit residents and visitors. It would be an ecological solution, safer than injection of the aquifer, and it would be something we can all be proud.
I have a personal interest in this question. My drinking water comes from a well that was drilled into the aquifer of Florida in 1994. The well was drilled directly into a vein in the Florida aquifer and 365 feet deep. We fully treat water before drinking.
Listen, I'm not a scientist just a concerned citizen, a resident of Florida and a bit of an environmentalist. I wrote a series of articles on such issues. I believe in leaving the smallest footprint possible on the environment. If we're all good management practices that we can leave our children, grandchildren and future generations a better place to live.
That can we do?
All water needs ASR injected being treated for drinking water quality, tested and monitored regularly as they should!
Be part of the solution! Let your voice be heard! Join Save Our Aquifer in this effort to stop aquifer storage and recovery! www.saveouraquifer.org
Click on this link – http://www.saveouraquifer.org/?q=node/6 email Rockledge officials
Read more articles like this. Scroll my homepage – Learn more about our drinking water, water pollution drinking health effects of contaminants in drinking water – water Read News @ www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com
After contacting environmental groups Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club Water Keeper Alliance
Remember On this day of Elections!
Write an editorial in the local newspaper and send a copy to:
State Office of Governor Charlie Crist of Florida Tallahassee 400 S. Capitol St. Monroe, FL 32399-0001
City Manager Jim McKnight, City of Huntington Lane, Rockledge 1600, Rockledge, Florida 32955.
Mayor Larry L. Dr. Laurel Schultz S. 1820 Oak Rockledge, FL 32955
City Clerk and Public Relations Betsi Beatty wet (W) 321-690-3978 Fax 321-639-1065
Wastewater Treatment and Water Reclamation Director Alan M. LaDuke (W) 321-690-3975 Fax: 321-690-3998
Florida Department of Environmental Protection 3900, the Commonwealth Pacific Boulevard, MS 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 850-245-2212
San Juan del Rio Water Management District 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177
Rockledge City Council Seat # 1
Dr. Joe Lee Smith 918 Levitt Pkwy. Rockledge, FL 32955
Rockledge City Council Seat # 2
Richard K. 916 Blake Lane Brunswick Rockledge, FL 32955
Rockledge City Council Seat # 3
Colleen Stuart 899 Jefferson Road Rockledge, Florida. 32955
Rockledge City Council Seat No. 4
Frank Forester 1481 Wellington Circle Rockledge, FL 32955
Rockledge City Council Seat # 5
Georgia E. Phillips 856 Westport Dr. Rockledge, FL 32955
Rockledge City Council Seat No. 6
Tom Price Wincove 11 Lane Rockledge, FL 32955
Patti Wilson
About the Author
Patti Wilson
Drinking Water Consultant
Supreme Drinking Water Solutions
St Augustine Fl
FISHING WITH JOSHUA ANTHONY AND FRIENDS IN TAMPA FLORIDA SUMMER 2008-PART II
