Vote on Mosaic Wingate Creek Mine expansion set for Feb. 2

Bradenton, Fla. — The Manatee County Commission will vote on a plan for The Mosaic Co. to expand its Wingate Creek Mine by another 3,000 acres on Feb. 2. Mosaic spokesman Russell Schwiss said the plan had received unanimous approval from the county’s planning board and was "noncontroversial." However, it was being opposed by the Sierra Club and Manasota 88, which spoke against it, along with a Duette resident. Opponents said the mine threatens nearby parks, waterways, and wetlands. The 7,300-acre Wingate Creek Mine has been in operation for about 30 years, so does not requires new discharge permits. The tract does contain an isolated 46-acre wetland, Schwiss said.