#toxic lake okeechobee

[jthurlow]

Continue to Call Out the Bad Actors-Toxic Lake Okeechobee

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

At the heart of the vast watershed that forms Florida’s fragile Everglades is Lake Okeechobee. A century ago the water of the state’s largest lake spilled effortlessly beyond its southern shore, flowing eventually into the sawgrass prairies of the river of grass.

Today the natural course of the water has been altered forever by some of the most complex water management infrastructure in the world. This infrastructure has drained the river of grass to a fraction of its former size and made modern Florida possible. A $21 billion federal and state restoration effort underway in the Everglades is among the most ambitious of its kind in human history.

A new plan for managing Lake Okeechobee is aimed at recapturing some of this drained water and restoring a more natural flow throughout the watershed, two objectives that, if achieved, could help alleviate yet another prominent environmental problem facing the state: toxic algae.

The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), implemented earlier this month, represents a significant shift in the lake’s management. Coming after a recent restoration of the 143-mile earthen dike encircling the lake, the plan is designed to more equitably balance the needs of the watershed and stakeholders tied to it, rather than prioritizing flood control above all else, said Tim Gysan, LOSOM project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“At some point most Floridians are touched by water that moves through Lake Okeechobee,” he said. “The management of Lake Okeechobee is very important.”

The 730-square-mile lake is situated near the center of the watershed that encompasses much of the peninsula, beginning in central Florida at the headwaters of the meandering Kissimmee River. The watershed also includes the sawgrass marshes south of the lake and Florida Bay, at the peninsula’s southernmost tip. Today some 2,200 miles of canals, 2,100 miles of levees and berms, 84 pump stations and 778 water control structures sustain the river of grass, which is responsible for the drinking water of some 9 million Floridians.

Notably, the new lake plan likely will bring some relief from the toxic algae that has gripped the peninsula during the past several years by addressing one of the biggest problems hindering the natural course of water in the Everglades: releases from Lake Okeechobee in an unnatural pattern east and west rather than south, as the water once flowed.

The noxious blooms have choked rivers, sullied beaches, sickened Floridians and left wildlife belly-up. The discharges were necessary during times of high water to protect the aging dike surrounding the lake, but the releases threaten the delicate estuaries on either side of the lake and, during the summer months, can spread toxic algae. Because the algae thrive in warm temperatures, the problem is poised to get worse as the global climate warms.

Now that a $1.8 billion rehabilitation of the dike is complete, the Army Corps will have more flexibility to hold more water in the lake, reducing the harmful discharges. It is the first time a lake plan has acknowledged the risk of toxic algae or recognized the need to send more water south for the Everglades, said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, an advocacy group. Her group said the plan allows for releases when the lake level climbs above 16.5 to 17 feet.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

A cautionary tale about Florida.     

          Donald Trump joked over the weekend that rising sea levels would “create more beachfront property”—a debatable proposition that ignores the newly created sea bed that replaces formerly dry land. But the effects of climate change will not be limited to sea level rise. Indeed, Florida’s Lake Okeechobee becomes a toxic sewer for months each year as rising temperatures, increasing rainfall, and agricultural runoff combine to create a toxic slime in a lake that was once critical to the Everglade’s ability to recharge itself with clean water. See NYTimes, It’s Toxic Slime Time on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee. (This article is accessible to all.)

          The Times’ reporting is remarkable. Lake Okeechobee spews toxic fumes from rotting algae mats that bloom in warm water polluted with phosphorous from agriculture. Joggers must stay away from the lake’s shore to avoid inhaling the fumes. Forget about fishing and boating near the algae blooms. And if record high rains continue, the Army Corps of Engineers may have to release the toxic water into canals that feed into dozens of Florida cities downstream.

          So, Trump can joke about climate change creating new beachfront property, but the citizens of Florida are facing immediate threats from climate change that may make their fancy homes on canals worthless—and dangerous. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, it will be because Republican legislators refused to regulate the use of phosphorous in agriculture. That decision may have benefitted the economic interests of a handful of corporate farmers in Florida, but it is now threatening the life, health, and property of Floridians who live near Lake Okeechobee.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[letsgethaunted]

Haunted Lake Okeechobee

What’s hiding in the shallows of Lake Okeechobee? If the legends of Undead Pirates, Ghost Towns, Cursed Lands, and mysterious tracks in the mud don’t spook you, the thousands of real human remains and deadly toxic algae will definitely make you think twice about entering the water. This week, Nat dredges up all the haunted dirt on this giant cursed puddle to take Aly adrift on what is known to be the site of the second deadliest hurricane in U.S. history! Buckle Up, it’s going to be unsafe in so many ways!!

[leavingaway]

Toxic algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee, Florida

[antonio-velardo]

Antonio Velardo shares: Lake Okeechobee’s Toxic Algae Blooms Threaten Florida and Could Get Worse by Unknown Author

By Unknown Author Published: September 14, 2023 at 04:21PM from NYT https://ift.tt/wxi1IKB via IFTTT

[timomaraus]

August 29, 2023

CNN 'Still alive and wriggling': Doctors remove 3-inch parasitic worm from woman's brain in world first (Editor's Note: Upon returning home, the worm was greeted by his wife saying "See!? You never ask for directions and look at where it landed you this time!")

CNN 3M agrees to pay $6 billion after US military said faulty earplugs led to hearing loss (Editor's Note: Turn out when the sergeant was yelling "I can't hear you!" he really meant he couldn't hear you.)

CNN Justice Amy Coney Barrett: 'I've acquired a thick skin' (Editor's Note: And since she's a Prime member, she got it in two days with free shipping.)

CNN Sea lions sickened by toxic algae released back into ocean (Editor's Note: Hmmm. Who could have predicted that outcome?)

CNN Amazon raises free shipping minimum for non-Prime members (Editor's Note: There is an exemption for Supreme Court justices.)

Washington Post Thousands of pilots may have faked medical records to keep flying (Editor's Note: As they say in the THC world, once you're high, you want to stay there.)

Washington Post Miss Manners: I reconnected with an old friend. Now I remember why I didn't like her. (Editor's Note: Some headlines are pretty perfect just the way they are.)

Washington Post What Artic ice tells us about climate change (Editor's Note: It better be talking fast, 'cuz it's going fast.)

Washington Post Don't miss this week's super blue moon. Your next chance is 14 years away. (Editor's Note: What is a super blue moon? Is that like a 40-ouncer? A mini-keg?)

Washington Post Cooking chat: How long is it safe to keep takeout white rice? (Editor's Note: First consideration…Is it still white?)

NY Times If rain swells in Lake Okeechobee in Florida, officials might have to release water full of toxic algae (Editor's Note: Guess it's time to evacuate the sea lions.)

NY Times In a Decaying Queens Fortress, It's One Man Versus 47 Kinds of Mosquito (Editor's Note: One man. And the world's most powerful buy zapper. Bring on those little buzzers!)

NY Times Is that at-home Covid test really expired? (Editor's Note: Better the test than the testee. Let's be safe out there.)

[fuojbe-beowgi]

"It’s Toxic Slime Time on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee" by Unknown Author via NYT Climate https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/07/09/climate/florida-lake-okeechobee-algae.html?partner=IFTTT

[michaelgabrill]

Electric green algal blooms are spreading, threatening wildlife, pets, people and cities. And algae season is only getting started.

[tracygrenier-blog]

NYTimes: It’s Toxic Slime Time on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee

It’s Toxic Slime Time on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/07/09/climate/florida-lake-okeechobee-algae.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

[alimaeflower]

The idea that interests me would be developing a plan to contribute to action against climate change. Before I explain my plan, I feel compelled to share my experience that created this compassion for action. One of the most disturbing climate devastations experienced in my life would be the releasing of Lake Okeechobee toxic water by the millions to the Caloosahatchee River flowing in the Gulf of Mexico, destroying every living cell in its path. I have a personal testimony of the pure evil of the destruction of the ocean, the marine life, our air quality, our health, our economic stability! I worked as a server at a private golf club on Sanibel Island. I worked as a golf cart attendant at the time of the release, one word comes to mind: evil. The pure stench of rotting, decaying corpses filled my lungs with bronchitis. I could feel the death all around, the birds escaped, the sign of life removed. The sight of floating marine corpses for months. The black waters were spotted with dead fish floating to the top. The 150-year-old sea turtle washed up on the golf course, followed by a littler of dolphins floating belly up. The news reads that the cause of marine life is “bad red tide.” This is a lie, and this is the “why” for me. The blatant and greedy disregard for the animal life, the ecology, the environment, the health, and well-being of all inhabitants of the island, all in jeopardy. All being destroyed for Florida’s number one crop: sugar. Domino sugar to be exact. The sugar farms are responsible for the releasing of Lake O. The genocide of marine life is being allowed and paid off because a billion-dollar industry.  As we could just go with the Caribbean for our sugar resources, support other nations resources, the ultimate sign of compassion. This is for all intents and purposes. The sugar industry is responsible for this destruction, and they should have to pay for the ecological harm! Not only harm to the environment but our only source of economy is tourism, being mutilated by greed. Where is the compassion? They are only harming themselves as well. If the ocean dies, we die. It is not just one industry to blame, the cattle industry is one of the main contributors of environmental disasters in the runoffs from the cattle farms polluting water ways with phosphorus that flow to Lake Okeechobee.

My plan is to inform others through social media. My next post will be a poem for a call to action to help reform this!

[jthurlow]

It's a Beautiful New Year

On December 31st, the eve of 2024, Ed’s photographed our region. On a bright sunny day after the settling of heavy El Nino rains, the camera revealed a world of beauty. Stubborn water quality problems and lack of seagrass habitat for wildlife persist but we are thankful for policy shifts that since 2019, have spared the St. Luice River major damaging, toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee, and it…

[letsgethaunted]

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A post shared by Let's Get Haunted (@letsgethaunted)

Episode 118: Haunted Lake Okeechobee Photodump

Image 01-02: Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida.The average depth of the lake is only 9 feet (2.7 meters) which creates seasonal grassy islands. TLDR: IT’S A REALLY BIG F’N LAKE! Image 03: The 1928 Lake Okeechobee Hurricane was the second most deadly in U.S. history, leaving over 2500 dead and hundreds missing. The Category 5 Hurricane had winds sustained at 160 MPH and flooding raised the lake waters over 20 feet. Image 04-05: The city was overwhelmed by corpses which had been tangled in debris and washed ashore. Truckloads of coffins navigated the streets. Image 06: In an effort to minimize the spread of disease, the health department urged survivors to burn corpses in mass burials. Image 07: Black migrant workers were the main victims of the flood. Records indicate a mass grave with over 674 workers was dug outside the city’s cemetery; however, the mass grave remained unmarked for 75 years until 2003. Image 08: Several abandoned “Ghost Towns” ,including Okeelanta, can be seen when the water is low enough to reveal seasonal islands. Image 09: When the water is low, thousands of skulls and human remains believed to be between 500-1000 years old can be seen. Several theories exist as to where the skeletons came from, but nobody knows for sure why they are there. Image 10: To prevent flooding, Lake Okeechobee’s drainage system has been heavily altered. As a direct result, toxic algae blooms wreak havoc across the lake and along the Florida coast. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK OF THIS EPISODE?! Would you go tubing on lake Okeechobee or would you rather make Pangea Dinosaur Again??

[antonio-velardo]

Antonio Velardo shares: Hurricane Idalia Threatens to Stir Up Lake Okeechobee’s Toxic Algae Blooms by Delger Erdenesanaa

By Delger Erdenesanaa Cyanobacteria have overrun this lake an hour outside West Palm Beach, and excessive rain could spread that algae to nearby waterways. Published: August 29, 2023 at 12:55PM from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/mGuiqNt via IFTTT

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Sierra Club:

The mysterious disappearance of the Little Wekiva River is an extreme example of the various plagues that bedevil Florida’s waterways. The Little Wekiva is a tributary of the Wekiva River, which is choked by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and the accompanying nuisance algae and aquatic weeds. About 1 million pounds of nitrogen from septic tanks, water treatment plants, agricultural waste, and fertilizers on lawns and golf courses leaches into Wekiva basin groundwater each year, and pollution also troubles the nearby Econlockhatchee River. In 2018, toxic algal blooms in both Lake Okeechobee and coastal waters combined to endanger wildlife and local water sources, forcing biologists to measure animal die-offs by the ton.

Then came the November 2020 election—and local citizens’ response to the chronic water pollution. Residents of Orange County, the home of Orlando’s theme parks as well as its biologically rich wetlands, voted to amend their county charter to grant rights to the Econlockhatchee and Wekiva Rivers. The Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment declares that “all Citizens of Orange County have a right to clean water” and that the county’s waterways have a “right to exist, Flow, to be protected against Pollution, and to maintain a healthy ecosystem.”

The election outcome made Orange County the most populous jurisdiction in the United States to recognize legal rights for nature. More than 500,000 people voted yes on the Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment, making this seemingly esoteric legislation, which passed by a landslide margin of 89 to 11 percent, the most popular item on the ballot.

“The Orange County law recognizes a human right to clean water,” says Thomas Linzey, senior legal counsel for the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, who has spent much of the past 20 years crafting similar rights-of-nature legislation around the globe.

[voguegreen]

At the hub of the dispute is Lake Okeechobee – one of the nation’s largest lakes, the wellspring of the Everglades and the freshwater heart of South Florida.

For 6,000 years, excess groundwater has spilled over the southern rim of the lake, nourishing the Everglades before draining into the Florida Bay. To make way for the cane fields, engineers raised and fortified the lake’s southern shore, funneling all that excess groundwater through an array of canals, levees and pumping stations into two rivers that then dump it into the sea along Florida’s east and west coasts.

This cleared the way for the cane fields, but choked off water to the rest of the Everglades. It also infected the two rivers and South Florida’s coastlines with toxic algae.

Even more fearsome – it created a ticking time bomb in the form of a seeping dike that, should the right storm come along, could lay waste to everything and everybody in its path.