PLANT CITY, Fla. — Mosaic and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are set to hold a public hearing on March 11 in Plant City to discuss a proposal to inject treated wastewater from gypsum stacks thousands of feet underground. 

The plan, which aims to test the feasibility of deep well injection at Mosaic’s shuttered Plant City facility, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates concerned about potential long-term risks.

The phosphate company seeks approval for a pilot project that would pump treated water far below the Floridian Aquifer, separated by natural barriers. 

Mosaic argues the method is safe and has been used in other industries for years. 

Hydrogeologist David Brown explained, “The upper Floridian aquifer extends to about 900 to 1,000 feet below land surface. We’re going to be thousands of feet below that.” 

He emphasized that the test will use freshwater to evaluate the site’s suitability.

However, environmentalists remain skeptical. 

Ragan Whitlock, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, warned, “This stuff should not be anywhere near the Floridian Aquifer. The idea is to put it in wells is to keep it out of sight and out of mind. And it would stay that way until the wells fail.” 

Similarly, Rachael Curran from Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic at Stetson University added, “Whether the migration happens in a year, 100 years, or a millennium from now, it is a matter of time before that waste migrates out of its confining unit.”

The proposal comes in the wake of the Piney Point disaster in 2021, where an emergency permit to drill was granted after the release of 215 million gallons of toxic wastewater – discharged into Tampa Bay. 

Critics argue that Mosaic’s plan prioritizes cost savings over environmental safety. 

“It seems like the industry is investing their research and development dollars into the cheapest option that would be best for their bottom line,” Curran said.

Proponents counter that deep well injection is highly regulated, includes constant monitoring and requires re-permitting every five years. They also note that water at such depths is non-potable due to its high salt content.

The public hearing will take place at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center in Plant City from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 11. Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns or ask questions about the project.