Hurricane Milton is posing a significant threat to Florida’s west coast, with experts warning of potential environmental hazards caused by the state’s phosphate fertilizer mining industry. Environmentalists fear that the storm could disperse the polluted remnants of Florida’s phosphate mining and other hazardous waste, potentially contaminating waterways and land across the region.
More than 1 billion tons of phosphogypsum waste, a byproduct of processing phosphate ore, is stored in large “stacks” resembling ponds that are at risk of leaks during severe weather events like Hurricane Milton. The state of Florida has 25 such stacks, primarily located near phosphate mines and fertilizer processing plants in the central region. Concerns have been raised that these stacks are directly in the path of Hurricane Milton, raising fears of catastrophic consequences.
Phosphogypsum waste contains radium, radon gas, toxic heavy metals, and carcinogens such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. The lack of effective disposal methods has led to the accumulation of this hazardous waste, making it a prime target for storms. Hurricane Frances in 2004 resulted in millions of gallons of acidic wastewater from phosphogypsum stacks being released into nearby waterways, causing extensive ecological damage.
Of particular concern ahead of Hurricane Milton is the Piney Point wastewater reservoir near Tampa Bay, which has a history of leaks and environmental issues. The Mosaic Company, a major phosphate producer, owns stacks in vulnerable locations, heightening the risk of contamination. The company has stated its preparedness measures for the incoming storm, emphasizing the importance of reviewing lessons learned from previous incidents and ensuring equipment readiness.
Florida and North Carolina together supply 75% of the US phosphorus, essential for agriculture and munitions production. Apart from the immediate threat from phosphate mining waste, the Tampa Bay area is home to toxic waste sites, including a former pesticide production site, adding to the environmental concerns ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Government agencies such as the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are taking steps to secure facilities, regulate potential impacts, and mitigate storm repercussions. As Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton, the state is mobilizing resources to safeguard the environment and minimise the fallout from potential environmental disasters.
Reported by Michael Biesecker from Washington and Jason Dearen from Los Angeles, the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton has brought to light the urgent need for effective measures to protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems and waterways from the destructive force of the storm.