Bradenton, Fla. — The Mosaic Co. has asked the Manatee County Commission to allow it to make significant changes to its permit for its Wingate Creek Extension, which was approved in June 2012. The changes include allowing it to mine 280 acres of clay settling ponds, to reduce the berm it uses to keep water from flowing into the Manatee River watershed, and to be allowed to process ore from Wingate and from other mining sites, according to local media reports. In addition, the company asked to be allowed to continue using trucks to haul material for another nine years – to 2023 – and to postpone reclamation until 2027. Last year, Mosaic received approval to mine about 645 acres and destroy 49 acres of wetlands. Opponents expressed concern the changes would affect air quality and endanger water supplies, including wells in the area. The last time the Manatee County Commission rejected a permit from the company Mosaic threatened to file a $600 million lawsuit, and the commission quickly reversed its 2008 decision. Mosaic did not respond to a request for a comment.
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