Port Charlotte, Fla.-In an effort to end the long and draining process of obtaining mining permits in Southwest Florida, the Mosaic Co. has negotiated a deal with representatives of three counties that would prevent them from making challenges to its permit applications for 30 years. However, the proposal has generated considerable controversy. The three counties, Sarasota, Lee, and Charlotte, have spent approximately $12 million during the past several years fighting phosphate mining permit applications in the Peace River watershed, which provides drinking water to much of the area. Recently, Mosaic sought to streamline negotiations with the counties by meeting with a representative from each, rather than in large groups. However, it also successfully sought to exclude the attorney who has represented Charlotte County, Ed de la Parte Jr., from the negotiations. Charlotte, which has spent the most during the battle, agreed to oust de la Parte, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. The company agreed to protect large tracts of wetlands in the 100-year flood plains of the Peace and Myakka rivers, increase environmental protections, and protect the waters that flow into the Peace River. In addition, it agreed to build a large reservoir for drinking water. The deal must be approved by the commissioners of all three counties. Although Charlotte County has been the most active opponent of mining in the past, opposition appeared to be strongest in Lee and Sarasota counties. Charlotte will hold a public meeting on Oct. 23 to discuss the proposal, but no dates have been set in Lee and Sarasota counties. Mosaic did not respond to a request for a comment.
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