Hardee County, Fla.-CF Industries Holdings Inc. has filed an application for a permit with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to mine about 7,500 acres in Hardee County. The plan called for mining 6,385 acres of the tract, including about 1,700 acres of wetlands. The wetlands are in the watershed that feeds the Peace River, which provides drinking water to a portion of Southwest Florida. IMC Global Inc. and its successor, The Mosaic Co., have battled for years to secure permits for mines in the general area, and success has been costly for both sides. Those who receive the water downstream fear the quantity and quality will suffer from mining activities. The waterways to be affected include the Horse Creek tributaries Brushy and Lettis Creeks, and Peace River tributary Troublesome Creek, according to the Charlotte Sun newspaper. Although the company plans to restore the affected wetlands, environmentalists claim artificial wetlands do not adequately replace originals. The permitting process in Florida takes years. In addition to state approval, the project must also get the okay for dredging from the Corps of Engineers and secure a development agreement with Hardee County.
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