North Florida, South Florida vie to be most-polluted region

Post author:flspringsinst
Post published:April 28, 2023
Post category:Bob Knight Education Health Op-ed Publications Springs Science
Post comments:1 Comment

By Dr. Robert Knight. Published in the Florida Specifier April/May 2023. Given the Environmental disaster that has continued to engulf the estuaries and beaches on both sides of the state, South Florida's guacamole-filled coastal waters are receiving the state and national press they deserve. But thanks to on-going releases of nutrient-laden water from sugar plantations, ranches, and other intensive agricultural operations; toxic floating algae, starving manatees, and rafts of dead fish continue to slime the once-blue waters,…

FDEP offers mid-year’s resolution for Florida’s Springs

Post author:flspringsinst
Post published:July 5, 2022
Post category:Bob Knight Op-ed Publications Springs Science
Post comments:0 Comments

By Dr. Robert Knight. Published in The Florida Specifier June/July 2022 edition. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship and is tasked to protect the state’s air, water, and land. Reading from FDEP’s website, its vision is “… to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources, and enhance its ecosystems.” (www.floridadep.gov) Headquartered in Tallahassee, but with staff state-wide, FDEP has about 3,000 employees and an annual…

Trouble in the Garden of Eden

Post author:Haley Moody
Post published:February 26, 2021
Post category:Bob Knight Op-ed Publications Springs Science
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Bob Knight. Published in the Gainesville Sun on February 19, 2021 It was Voltaire’s “Candide” that reminded us to tend to one’s own garden. Whether he meant taking care of the Garden of Eden, or the small portion of the world that is closest and dearest to each of us, we are drawn to the importance of helping to make the world healthier and safer in our relatively small local area of personal influence. In that regard,…

Re-evaluation of Minimum Flows and Levels for the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee

Post author:Haley Moody
Post published:February 3, 2020
Post category:Bob Knight Drinking Water Education Publications Springs Science
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It is not in the public’s best interest to dry up or pollute any of Florida’s artesian springs. Healthy springs support a vast and abundant assemblage of charismatic and endangered wildlife, nourish our many rivers and lakes during droughts, and are the sought-after playground for tens of millions of visitors each year. Springs are essential for our local ecology and economy. Governmental agencies responsible for protecting Florida’s environmental prosperity would be reckless and irresponsible to allow priceless…

Fla. gets a tiny paycheck as Nestle taps its springs

Post author:Haley Moody
Post published:January 27, 2020
Post category:Bottled Water Drinking Water Publications Springs Science

WATER POLICY Fla. gets a tiny paycheck as Nestlé taps its springs James Marshall, E&E News reporter Greenwire: Friday, January 24, 2020 Ginnie Springs is one of more than 1,000 springs that provide fresh water from the Floridan Aquifer. Nestlé Waters North America is seeking permission to source 1.15 million gallons a day from the spring near Gainesville, Fla. (WT-de) Mistoffeles/Wikimedia Commons The world's largest food company wants permission from Florida to take more than 1 million gallons…