Environmental Alarm: Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida's Phosphogypsum Stacks

Hurricane Milton's impact on Florida raises environmental concerns as it threatens to disperse pollutants from phosphate fertilizer waste across the state. Over 1 billion tons of phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct, could leak into waterways, posing substantial ecological risks. The storm revisits past incidents of contamination and highlights ongoing industry challenges.

As Hurricane Milton makes its destructive path across Florida, environmentalists express alarm over the potential contamination risks posed by the state's phosphate fertilizer mining industry. The storm's severe conditions could disturb over 1 billion tons of slightly radioactive phosphogypsum waste, stoking fears of pollution in vulnerable waterways.

Florida is home to 25 towering phosphogypsum stacks, many located near significant phosphate mines and processing plants in the state's central region, which are now within the projected path of the formidable Category 3 hurricane. Past storms, like Hurricane Frances in 2004, have already demonstrated the disastrous environmental consequences of leaks in these waste stacks.

Of particular concern is the Piney Point wastewater reservoir, which has experienced structural problems and significant leaks previously. The Environmental Protection Agency and state authorities are working to secure these sites, highlighting an urgent need for improved management and preparedness as Florida braces for Milton's wrath.

(With inputs from agencies.)