NewsProtecting Paradise

Actions

U.S. Sugar files suit over Lake Okeechobee water releases

Posted at 2:48 PM, Aug 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-01 14:50:03-04

WPTV is committed to Protecting Paradise. We are focused on environmental issues with a goal of helping to bring awareness to existing problems and search for workable solutions. Have a story idea? Email us at paradise@wptv.com

HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. – U.S. Sugar has filed a federal lawsuit over the Lake Okeechobee water releases.

The company announced Thursday that they share similar concerns with environmental groups who filed an earlier lawsuit.

In this new lawsuit, U.S. Sugar accuses the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of releasing unprecedented volumes of water from Lake Okeechobee, causing significant adverse effects to the quality of the environment and public health.

🌴 SPECIAL COVERAGE: Protecting Paradise

“Since November of 2018, the Corps has released unprecedented volumes of water from Lake Okeechobee, and as a result they’ve recently driven the lake into the water shortage band (which requires the South Florida Water Management District to implement water shortage policies) during the rainy season,” said Judy Sanchez, Senior Director, Corporate Communications Public Affairs.

The Army Corps has not yet commented on the lawsuit.