Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County seeks united front on environmental issues
Tyler TreadwayWhen they successfully fought a project at the Oslo Road boat ramp on the Indian River Lagoon, environmentalists in Indian River County learned there's strength in numbers.
So the Indian River Neighborhood Association, the Coastal Conservation Association, the Indian River Land Trust and the Pelican Island Audubon Society formed the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County.
"Protecting the Oslo boat ramp was a collaborative effort by a number of organizations that helped save a fish sanctuary in the lagoon," said Capt. Paul Fafeita, coalition president and head of the CCA Florida's Treasure Coast chapter.
"It also helped us realize," Fafeita said, "that to accomplish what needs to be done to protect the lagoon and the county's environment as a whole will take many voices speaking as one."
The new group also was inspired by the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition, which helped get a half-cent sales tax for lagoon-friendly projects approved by Brevard County voters in 2016, and the Rivers Coalition in Martin and St. Lucie counties, which is dedicated to stopping Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River.
More:What are Lake Okeechobee discharges?
The new coalition's goals:
- Restore the Indian River Lagoon
- Restrict fertilizer application
- Improve methods of wastewater collection, treatment and reuse
- Prohibit boats from discharging sewage
- Safe disposal of sewage sludge known as Class B biosolids
- Clean and sufficient supply of drinking water for current and future generations.
From the four organizing groups, the coalition has grown to about 30 partners, including the Friends of the Sebastian River, Marine Bank & Trust, the Environmental Learning Center, the Indian River County Historical Society and noted marine biologist Grant Gilmore of Estuarine Coastal and Ocean Science.
More: TCPalm's complete coverage of Indian River Lagoon issues
There are no dues, but donations to help cover costs, such as keeping up a website, are welcome, Fafeita said.
"Everyone who's concerned about the lagoon and the environment and want to do something to help is welcome to join," Fafeita said.
If you go
- Who: Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County
- What: Open house/meeting
- When: 7 p.m. Thursday
- Where: The River House, 305 Acacia Road, Vero Beach
- Program: Edie Widder, founder and lead scientist at the Ocean Research & Conservation Association in Fort Pierce, will talk about the impact algae blooms have on Florida's economy and Floridians' health
- Information: ourwaters.org or call Charlie Pope at 772-567-9000