TALLAHASSEE, Florida — An environmental group is asking a federal judge to block new development along the northern Indian River Lagoon that relies on septic tanks to treat waste, citing possible risk to manatees.
Details: Bear Warriors United filed the request Friday at the direction of U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza, who earlier this month sided with the group in ruling the state is responsible for area manatee deaths.
Mendoza said there was a “definite causal link” between DEP’s wastewater regulations and the deaths of more than 1,000 manatees in 2021. He ordered the state to seek an “incidental take” permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Bear Warriors United told Mendoza the moratorium should begin 60 days after the judge issues the order and would be lifted when the state gets the federal permit.
