A large aquaponics facility is under construction in Woodville amid concerns about its potential effects on the Floridan aquifer, the source of drinking water for thousands of residents.
In a four-page letter Tuesday, the Wakulla Springs Alliance asked Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried to force property owner Alvin Hines to stop construction until he can prove his project will not harm ground water and delay issuing a certificate of registration.
The letter, written by Alliance vice chairman Doug Barr, also was sent to several Tallahassee, Leon County and Wakulla County commissioners.
Barr said the group supports properly designed and operated aquaculture facilities for sustainably-produced fish, but remains concerned about nitrate seeping into the aquifer. High levels of nitrate, which can come from animal waste, can be dangerous to health.
Read the full article at Tallahassee Democrat (TaMaryn Waters)