Controversial criteria drowning in lawsuits

The Florida League of Cities and Florida Stormwater Association have filed a federal lawsuit against the federal EPA over new numeric nutrient criteria regulations for Florida's waters.

The lawsuit is asking the federal court to force the Environmental Protection Agency to abandon its unprecedented action against Florida and to take another look and conduct proceedings consistent with federal law.

Based on information from an independent study, costs are projected to increase for city and county wastewater and stormwater treatment systems by at least $1 billion and up to $3 billion per year.

The complaint was filed Jan. 10 in the Pensacola Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Other lawsuits challenging the rules have been filed in both Pensacola and Tallahassee.