Florida lawmakers want $3.5 million for clean water pipeline in Ocala

Florida lawmakers want $3.5 million for clean water pipeline in Ocala  Tampa Bay Times

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Mar 9, 2024 - 04:30
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Florida lawmakers want $3.5 million for clean water pipeline in Ocala

Florida lawmakers want $3.5 million for clean water pipeline in Ocala

Florida Officials Take Action to Address Chemical Pollution Threatening Drinking Water Supply

Florida officials have known for years that chemical pollution from a state firefighting college in Ocala has threatened the drinking water supply of nearby homes, prisons, and businesses. Efforts to remove the area from at-risk well water have gone nowhere since 2021.

Progress in Addressing the Issue

This year, there is hope for change. Florida lawmakers on Friday approved an annual budget that includes $3.5 million for a nearly 7-mile pipeline to deliver clean drinking water to the Lowell area. The budget now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for approval.

Impact of Chemical Contamination

Firefighters at the Florida State Fire College trained with foam extinguishers that contained dangerous levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called “forever chemicals,” which are linked to a slew of health problems. The state discovered in 2018 that the chemicals had seeped into groundwater around the college, eventually spreading to neighboring properties and threatening the drinking water at nearby state-run prisons, including the women’s Lowell Correctional Institution.

The contamination reached the prison in June, as reported by state environmental officials. However, the prison’s drinking water was not tested until eight months later when questioned by Tampa Bay Times reporters.

Efforts to Secure Funding

Florida Republican lawmakers representing the Marion County area have been advocating for funding to address the contamination issue. State Rep. Bobby Payne filed this year’s appropriation request for $7 million. The approved budget provides half of that amount, and Marion County leaders are seeking additional grant funding to cover the remainder.

Timeline for Addressing the Issue

From start to finish, the design, permitting, and construction of the 35,500-foot pipeline are estimated to take two to three years. The water line will include valves, fire hydrants, and a water booster station.

Responsibility of the Florida Department of Corrections

Whether the prisons connect to the water line is up to the Florida Department of Corrections. If the agency chooses to connect to the county’s public water supply, a service agreement will be required before it is certified for public use.

The corrections department has not responded to inquiries about their plans to connect to the county water line or how frequently they will monitor for chemicals at the state prisons.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The pipeline project aims to provide clean drinking water to the affected area, addressing SDG 6.
  2. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – By addressing the contamination issue, the project contributes to improving health and well-being, aligning with SDG 3.
  3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project supports creating sustainable communities by ensuring access to safe drinking water, in line with SDG 11.

Conclusion

The approval of funding for the pipeline project is a significant step towards addressing the chemical pollution threatening the drinking water supply in Florida. With continued efforts and collaboration, it is hoped that the issue will be resolved, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for the affected communities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

    • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
    • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
    • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
    • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

  2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

    • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
    • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
    • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for All [WASH] services).

Analysis

  1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

    The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

  2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

    Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

    • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
    • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
    • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

  3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

    Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

    • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
    • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
    • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
    • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for All [WASH] services).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
  • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
  • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
  • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
  • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for All [WASH] services).

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: tampabay.com

 

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