LETTER FROM DEP SECRETARY HERSCHEL T. VINYARD JR.TO CHAIRMAN TOM HENNING

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

LETTER FROM DEP SECRETARY HERSCHEL T. VINYARD JR.TO CHAIRMAN TOM HENNING

TO: Interested Media

FROM: Tiffany Cowie, DEP Press Secretary

RE: DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr.'s Letter

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. issued a letter today to Collier County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Tom Henning. Below is a copy of that letter. Feel free to reach out if you need further information.

 

June 13, 2014

The Honorable Tom Henning

Chairman

Collier County Board of County Commissioners                                                             

3301 Tamiami Trail East

Naples, Florida 34112-4961

 

Dear Chairman Henning:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is committed to working with you and the county commission to protect the families of Collier County and to be good stewards of Florida’s natural resources.  I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me this week, and we look forward to building a stronger working relationship with you and your team.

You have indicated that the land owner, Barron Collier, has offered to work with the county to conduct groundwater testing on the property in question. We are reaching out to the Collier family to determine if we can supplement your efforts and conduct further testing on their property.  DEP is happy to share any resources or staff that the county may need. 

We have also decided to provide additional groundwater testing, upon receiving permission, at alternative sites near the drilling locations to fully ensure the safety of all the families in Collier County. I look forward to discussing any ways to partner in this effort. 

DEP is committed to serving families in your community. Should your citizens have questions or concerns relating to groundwater, they can receive up to date information through DEP’s Office of Ombudsman & Public Services public.services@dep.state.fl.us.

Sincerely,

HTV Sig

Herschel T. Vinyard Jr.

Secretary