Congressman Francis Rooney Requests Army Corps Seek Solutions to Contributing Factors of Toxic Algae Growth

Statement

This week, Congressman Rooney sent a letter to Lieutenant General Semonite, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, requesting federal cooperation with state agencies to monitor the application of glyphosate-based herbicides which can contribute to toxic algae growth.

In order to manage invasive plant growth, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) apply herbicides to waterways across the state. These glyphosate-based herbicides are comprised of 25% phosphorous, which feeds and prolongs Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

Congressman Rooney stated, "In 2018, Florida's waterways were afflicted with a serious outbreak of toxic algae which at its height, according to NOAA, covered nearly 90% of Lake Okeechobee. These HABs flow into the waterways and wreak havoc on our communities causing not only environmental damages, but also economic and health hazards. This ongoing issue has been affecting Florida for decades. We must seek solutions to the contributing factors, both large and small, that are feeding into the epidemic."

"As the Florida state agencies seek solutions that manage invasive plant growth without contributing to dangerous phosphorous levels, I ask that the Army Corps of Engineers monitor the status of this important issue, and that the Corps work alongside these agencies after a final decision has been reached to protect the water quality of our beautiful state."

The FWC has suspended the application of all glyphosate-based herbicides statewide pending review.

Source