Bradenton, Fla.-The Manatee County, Fla., Commission voted April 14 to write a development order to allow The Mosaic Co. to mine an additional 2,050 acres – the Altman Tract – at its Four Corners Mine. According to local media reports, the commission was uncertain it could win a lawsuit of up to $400 million if it rejected the company’s request. The amount was approximately twice the annual tax revenues the county receives. Environmentalists had opposed the plan out of fear of degradation of the quantity and quality of the water flowing into the watershed of the Peace River, a major source of potable water for Southwest Florida. The approval was applauded by residents of the community of Duette, where Mosaic agreed to build a new fire station and provide other benefits for the area.
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