SARASOTA – Suncoast Waterkeeper filed a formal Notice of Intent to Sue U.S. Recycling Company on Oct. 3 for alleged ongoing violations of the federal Clean Water Act at its industrial facility located at 1310 Industrial Court.
The environmental watchdog organization claimed that U.S. Recycling has unlawfully discharged polluted stormwater and other contaminants into Hog Creek and Sarasota Bay, waterways that are protected for recreation, wildlife and shellfish harvesting.
“Protecting Sarasota Bay and its tributaries is at the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. “When industrial pollution threatens those waters and regulatory enforcement falls short, it’s our duty to act. This notice is about safeguarding the health of our community and the integrity of the bay.”
According to a press release issued by Suncoast Waterkeeper, “The notice outlines numerous alleged violations of the Clean Water Act and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Among these violations are failure to develop and/or implement a proper Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), failure to monitor and report discharges as required by law, and the release of non-stormwater pollutants into nearby drainage channels.”
“Sampling conducted by Suncoast Waterkeeper found elevated levels of pollutants such as aluminum, iron, total suspended solids (TSS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) that exceeded federal guidelines for industrial facilities,” according to the press release. “These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife, degrade water quality, and pose risks to human health. According to research on similar concrete crushing plants in the U.S., it is likely that this operation is harming the Bay with pollutants beyond what the preliminary sampling from Suncoast Waterkeeper revealed.”
Hog Creek, which receives runoff from the U.S. Recycling facility, is listed by the State of Florida as an impaired water body and flows into Sarasota Bay.
“The Clean Water Act allows citizens and environmental organizations to enforce the law when regulatory agencies fail to do so,” the release stated.
Suncoast Waterkeeper intends to file suit in federal court no sooner than 60 days after the notice date unless U.S. Recycling takes immediate and effective action to correct violations, according to the press release.
“U.S. Recycling is just one of many industrial facilities in the region that fail to comply with regulations that are designed to protect the environment,” said Justin Bloom, Suncoast Waterkeeper founder and environmental attorney. “Actions like this are geared towards attaining compliance and ensuring accountability. Recycling concrete is an important activity in a growing community like ours, but it has to be done in a way that protects the environment and the community that relies on clean air and water.”
