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St. Johns Riverkeeper warns of harmful effects of ‘sewage sludge'

Whether it be a day out on the boat or fishing from shore, many people in Jacksonville feel connected to the water.

The St. Johns Riverkeeper says the river and wildlife are being threatened -- by sewage sludge.

“Sewage sludge is treated sewage. A fancier word for it is bio-solids,” Kelly Thompson, outreach director with the riverkeeper, said. “Excess runoff from the land in the upper basin from rain and storms is getting into our water ways.”

The sludge is banned in South Florida but is still being used to fertilize land in Central Florida.

The riverkeeper says its runoff can cause toxic algae blooms.

“They can cause fish kills. They block sun light so grasses can’t grow and they’re toxic to us,” Thompson said.

The riverkeeper started a petition online, urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to stop the sludge from polluting the St. Johns.

They’re asking DeSantis to pause the use of the sludge until legislation to protect the river is put in place.

The riverkeeper is also inviting people to board a bus to Tallahassee March 13 to call for protective measures.

“It’s all about protecting our rivers, so we’re focusing on stopping pollution at its source,” Thompson said.

Algae blooms are most common beginning in May but can start as early as April in areas where homeowners are using fertilizers.

The riverkeeper said if you see a bloom that you suspect might be toxic, call their office or the Department of Environmental Protection immediately.

"We shouldn't be recreating and kayaking and swimming and eating fish that are near toxic algal blooms," Thompson said.
 
Click here to learn more about St. Johns Riverkeeper's 'Ride the bus for clean water'
Click here to go to the riverkeeper's online petition to stop sewage sludge

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