We found the Feb. 28 column by John Rehill, "Phosphate's mining of water scars region" (Views), to be very misleading and a distortion of the facts.
While we understand Rehill's desire to protect local strawberry farmers from the results of the extreme pumping that occurred during the recent cold snap, his attempt to shift the blame to the phosphate industry is misinformed at best.
From experience, we can attest to the fact that his commentary misrepresents the conditions following phosphate mining and the water conservation practices of phosphate companies. We know that the phosphate industry now aggressively conserves water and today accounts for a small percentage of groundwater pumped in Central Florida.
As active, Florida-based members of a national wetlands conservation organization, we have had the opportunity to observe and assess wetland reclamation by the phosphate industry, in particular, Mosaic, over the past 15 years. The wetland reclamation we observe has completely restored the land and is highly productive.
We congratulate the industry in its successful restoration of mined lands today, which typically increases the upland and wetland habitats in the region. Unfortunately, the Tribune chose to publish a photo of active mining with the article and not a photo of restored land.
The restored areas are teeming with waterfowl, shore bird species and numerous reptiles and mammals. In addition, we have seen otters, bobcats and other wildlife in the reclaimed mined areas in large numbers - a testament to the successful reclamation of mined land.
MIKE MEZRAH
Tampa
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