Press Release
www.IndianRiverkeeper.org/press
Date:
Contacts: Kevin
Stinnette, Indian Riverkeeper, (772 336-7284, IRkeeper@gate.net)
Attorney
Robert Hartsell of the Environmental &
Indian Riverkeeper Sues to Stop Shoreline Destruction
Ft.
Lauderdale, Fl. — Indian Riverkeeper filed suit in federal court today to
challenge the Indian River Drive Project in St. Lucie County. The suit was
filed because the project was developed without consideration of the impacts
upon the sensitive environment of the Indian River Lagoon.
The
National Environmental Policy Act requires that such projects should be funded
only after a thorough analysis of impacts and alternatives. The decision to
forever alter the function and natural beauty of the shoreline of the Indian
River Lagoon was made with insufficient information. The Federal Highway Administration,
Florida Department of Transportation and
“Federal
law requires that this kind of project is studied enough to make sure it is
done right.” said Kevin Stinnette, the Indian Riverkeeper. “We want the road to
last, but it has to be repaired in a way that won’t hurt the Indian River
Lagoon.”
Indian
Riverkeeper is seeking an immediate injunction to halt work until an
Environmental Impact Statement is completed as required by law.
“The categorical exemption from federal
requirements assumed by the Federal Highway Administration is inappropriate for
the measures being taken to stabilize the roadway.” said Attorney Robert
Hartsell. “They are classifying heavy maintenance as something much more
urgent.”
Distinguished
Marine Biologist R. Grant Gilmore, Jr., Ph.D., (Senior Scientist, Estuarine,
Coastal and Ocean Science, Inc. (ECOS)) has said of the project, “If the
western shore of the Indian River Lagoon between Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce
is reduced to a eutrophic anoxic sulfurous dead zone, devoid of support
communities for shrimp, crab and fishery species, this could lead to a major
reduction in regional fisheries which contributes significantly to regional
economies. Real estate value may also be impacted if the gases emitted by
anoxic west shore organic materials are blown downwind (prevailing easterlies
and southeasterlies) over these properties.”
For more information on the project and the suit please visit http://www.indianriverkeeper.org/shoreplan/armoring.htm
The mission of the Indian Riverkeeper is
to protect and restore the waters of