Gov. Rick Scott visited the Mosaic sinkhole site on Tuesday and is issuing new requirements regarding environmental matters in the state.

  • Gov. Rick Scott issues new ruling regarding environmental issues 
  • Scott, DEP officials at Mosaic site today
  • More than 200 million gallons of radioactive waste water has spilled
  • Bay News 9's Rick Elmhorst has more during today's newscasts

Scott has ordered the Dept. of Environmental Protection and any private polluters to report within 24 hours any possible pollution. 

He is issuing the demands after Mosaic allowed 215 million gallons of radioactive waste water to seep into the Floridan aquifer through a 45 foot wide sinkhole on its phosphate plant property in Mulberry. 

Representatives from the EPA visited the site Friday. Activities at the site included observing the stack where the sinkhole occurred; observing the sampling occurring from production well four; and discussing the location of the additional four monitoring wells Mosaic will install shortly.

Mosaic, the world's largest supplier of phosphate, said a sinkhole opened up beneath a gypsum stack on Aug. 27. Although Mosaic officials immediately notified environmental agencies, the public was not notified about the spill for another three weeks. 

Related Story: Mosaic apologizes for Mulberry plant sinkhole

Related Story: Mosaic starts to test wells at request of homeowners

"I am directing DEP to immediately issue an emergency rule implementing strict requirements for public notification within 24 hours," Gov. Scott said in a statement. "Today, I am demanding any business, county or city government responsible for a pollution incident to immediately tell the public."

Scott was to receive an update on what Mosaic officials are doing to contain any contamination threat. He was also scheduled to tour the area by helicopter.

So far all the well testing in the area that Mosaic has done has come back negative. More than 600 residents in the region have had their wells tested for contamination. 

"We look forward to working with [the Governor’s] office, DEP and the Florida Legislature," said Jackie Barron, Mosaic Public Affairs Manager. "We will also work with other stakeholders on an improved and transparent approach."

Besides the new rule, the governor says he will push for new legislation in the next session. 

The new legislation would target private companies and local governments. 

Not only was Mosaic named in the governor's statement but the city of St. Petersburg was also mentioned because of the partially treated waste water spilled into Tampa Bay during Hurricane Hermine. 

Bay News 9's Rick Elmhorst was at the governor's visit and will have reports this afternoon.