Center for Sustainability and Conservation Responds to Suncoast Waterkeeper's Sinkhole Claim

PENSACOLA, Fla., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Center for Sustainability and Conservation released findings from an independent, Florida-licensed geologist after having reviewed the information released by Suncoast Waterkeeper and retired New Jersey hydrologist, Don Rice, last week.

The Center for Sustainability and Conservation has been following the sinkhole incident at Mosaic's New Wales facility since last fall, including requesting information from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in November of last year, conducting a review of that information, and continually observing the ongoing activities around the incident. Last week, the CFSC learned of the Suncoast Waterkeeper's and Don Rice's conclusions regarding increases in groundwater levels from a July 2016 report to FDEP that they claim indicate the sinkhole event should have been anticipated.

The CFSC understands the importance of our natural resources but also understands the need for good science in evaluating the activities that appear around us.  In light of this, we had our independent Florida-licensed geologist review the data and information provided by Suncoast Waterkeeper in their press conference.  

Our review provided very different conclusions than those presented by Rice and Suncoast Waterkeeper. In fact, our conclusions were just the opposite. Our geologist concluded that the increase in water levels were due to a grouting program in the area and not the precursor to a sinkhole. In his opinion, an indication of a sinkhole would have produced a drop in water levels, not an increase.

The data and information surrounding Florida's natural resources and geology are complex and multi-disciplined. It is imperative that everyone understands such data can be used to draw false claims and manipulate conclusions to different outcomes, especially if examined by someone who is not licensed in Florida and does not have a thorough understanding of Florida's unique geology. We here at the CFSC are committed to using the best science available and sharing our findings regardless of the outcome.

Read the letter from our Florida-licensed geologist here: https://thecfsc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/02-13-17-ltr-rpt.pdf

SOURCE Center for Sustainability and Conservation