FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 23, 2016
STATEMENT FROM DEP SECRETARY JON STEVERSON
If
you are reporting on Representative Gwen Graham’s press release from today,
please include the following statement:
Secretary Jon Steverson said, “As
is the case with all public records requests, DEP will expeditiously process
this request and provide the responsive records. DEP has been in communication
with Representative Gwen Graham’s office throughout the week and has provided
information as requested without hesitation. Contrary to the Representative’s
claim that we have not answered her question, DEP yesterday released a detailed
timeline of all of the agency’s actions including that beginning on Sept. 19, in coordination with Mosaic, DEP began reaching out to nearby homeowners
for well testing. It is important to know that Deputy Secretary Gary Clark is
over the department’s Land and Recreation functions and does not, in any way,
oversee the department’s regulatory functions, especially in regard to water
quality. DEP is absolutely committed to the safety of all Floridians and our
environment and our staff was on-site to investigate the issues at Mosaic’s New
Wales facility less than 24 hours after being notified.
Following Governor
Scott’s call to expedite our investigation, we will hold all responsible
parties accountable. To keep the public informed of the latest response
activities and most recent monitoring data, DEP will continue to issue daily
updates on this issue.”
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