In a decision that has ignited fierce debate, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the green light to a pilot project in Florida that will utilize phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of fertilizer production, in road construction. This move has sparked widespread alarm among environmental groups and public health advocates who warn of the significant risks to both human health and the environment.

A Hazardous Experiment in New Wales, Florida

The controversial project is set to take place in New Wales, Florida, on land owned by Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC. The company plans to construct four test road sections, each incorporating varying amounts of phosphogypsum within the road base material. While the EPA has emphasized that this approval is limited to the pilot project and does not automatically authorize broader use of phosphogypsum in road construction, the potential implications of this experiment are far-reaching and deeply concerning.

The Dangers of Phosphogypsum: A Radioactive Threat

Phosphogypsum is not your average construction material. It is a hazardous waste containing naturally occurring radioactive elements, including radium and uranium. This radioactive material can release radon gas, a known carcinogen, which poses a significant health risk to construction workers, road maintenance crews, and even nearby residents. The prospect of incorporating such a hazardous substance into our public infrastructure raises serious questions about the EPA's commitment to public safety.

An Environmental Catastrophe in the Making

The environmental risks associated with this project are equally alarming. The use of phosphogypsum in road construction poses a significant threat to both groundwater and surface water resources. The leaching of radioactive materials and other harmful substances into our water supply could have devastating consequences for aquatic ecosystems and compromise the safety of drinking water for entire communities.

Furthermore, the potential for dust inhalation during construction and subsequent road maintenance activities cannot be ignored. Dust particles laden with radioactive materials can easily become airborne, posing a serious health hazard to workers, residents, pets, and wildlife in the vicinity.

A History of Regulatory Turmoil

This approval comes amidst a backdrop of regulatory uncertainty. In 2020, the EPA under the Trump administration approved the use of phosphogypsum in government road construction projects. However, the Biden administration reversed this decision a year later, citing significant health and safety concerns. "Alarms were sounded with the introduction of HB1191 ‘Use of Phosphogypsum’ at the beginning of the 2023 legislative session," according to the Surfrider Foundation. "...,Surfrider’s network activated to urge the Governor to veto this toxic legislation through individual emails, chapter veto letters and participation in a veto sign-on letter led by partners at Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity." The bill passed and was signed into law and is consistent with EPA guidelines, and here we are.

The Voices of Concern

Concerned citizens argue that the EPA's risk assessment is woefully inadequate, potentially underestimating the serious threats posed by phosphogypsum. Critics fear this pilot project could set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for the widespread use of radioactive waste in road construction across the country.

To ensure public safety and environmental protection, robust pilot project monitoring should be implemented beyond stricter regulations and increased oversight. The lack of long-term studies and comprehensive oversight raises serious concerns about the potential for unforeseen consequences and the lasting impact on our environment. Paving them and walking away is not the solution, and the monitoring to be scientifically relevant would have to take many years in an economic environment where industry will be trying to fast track the process.

A Call for Vigilance

As this controversial project unfolds, the need for vigilance is more critical than ever. Independent scientists, health advocates, and concerned citizens must closely monitor the project's progress and demand transparency and accountability from the EPA, DEP, and local, state, and federal politicians. We cannot allow short-term expediency to jeopardize the long-term health and well-being of our communities and the environment. The roads we build today should pave the way for a safer, healthier future, not a legacy of environmental and public health risks.