Editoral Board
October 27, 2016
TC Palm
What you can’t see could hurt you.
This simple truth underscores the importance of routine testing for toxins in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection adheres to a different modus operandi when it comes to testing for toxins.
The agency takes samples for testing only if blue-green algae is observed in the water. Reports of algae sightings are screened by the DEP via its website and hotline. Tests are then conducted by several agencies, including the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Here’s the rub: While the blue-green algae may be gone, their toxins may still be present.
The absence of visible algae is no guarantee the water is free of toxins — or that they exist at levels deemed safe for humans.
With the Army Corps of Engineers continuing to dump 519 million gallons of water a day from Lake Okeechobee into the estuary, testing should be a routine occurrence — regardless of the visible presence of blue-green algae.
To continue reading:
http://www.tcpalm.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/10/27/editorial-state-agency-should-conduct-routine-testing-treasure-coast-waterways/92715540/