A proposed rock mine near the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir was approved 6-0 by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners on May 22, bringing this dangerous project one step closer to reality. 

“The mine, claimed to be a water resources project by the applicant, is an unsolicited project that the South Florida Water Management District has not asked for, or even confirmed if there is a need,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis, who attended the May 22 meeting to provide public comment.

In fact, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) didn’t even hear the project in full until May 29, after the Palm Beach BOCC had already passed it.

“The project proposes deep-rock mining and blasting within 1,000 feet of the vital EAA Reservoir footprint. Any number of potential impacts including seepage, groundwater impacts, and impacts to the structural integrity of the EAA Reservoir are possible, and the potential ramifications are too great to rush into a decision with unanswered questions,” DePaolis said.

DePaolis also attended the SFWMD’s May 29 meeting to hear the project applicant, Phillips & Jordan, present their plans, and to again provide comment against the proposal. At the meeting, it was decided that the applicant must submit a revised and more complete proposal by August.

“The timeline of further decision making is in flux until the updated application is submitted,” DePaolis said.

There will likely be at least two additional public comment meetings, including a discussion of evaluation and a SFWMD Governing Board discussion of public interest.

The EAA Reservoir is the single most important Everglades restoration project for reducing harmful discharges to our estuaries. The proposed project — which involves excavating over 8,000 acres — could jeopardize not only the EAA Reservoir’s effectiveness, but the future of Everglades restoration itself.