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EPC Protects Wetlands

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 25, 2009

As an attorney who worked for a number of years at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Tallahassee, I strongly disagree with attorney Keith W. Bricklemyer's assertions ("Other Views," March 21) that Hillsborough County's wetlands division is a "duplication" and that we can get environmental protection from the FDEP, the Southwest Florida Water Management District or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

I worked at the FDEP under both the Lawton Chiles and Jeb Bush administrations. I personally know of the cuts at FDEP in the enforcement of environmental violations that took place after Bush became governor. I feel there is insufficient protection by FDEP, the water management district and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and that the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission is very much needed for successful wetlands protection.

Our prime concern should be that the local environment we leave for our children and grandchildren remains environmentally safe for their health and well-being. I do not feel that we can depend on the other agencies to adequately do this. It is essential that we do not abolish the EPC.

JACK C. WOLFF

Plant City

The writer is a Plant City attorney.

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