Public to DEP: No to revised pollution limits

The Department of Environmental Protection in May announced new surface water limits for dozens of toxic chemicals. More than 100 people across Florida sent emails to the agency during a subsequent public comment period. Nearly all of them expressed concern:

"We are blessed in Florida with pristine water as a natural resource. Water is life. If our standards for clean water are further eroded, there is no amount of money that can bring it back. Florida water systems need more protection from industrial polluters — not less. Please stand with the people who live in these lands to ensure our natural resources are protected."

— Deborah Kerr, no address listed

"I am concerned that the DEP is lessening our protections by proposing to change the standards for pollution limits for Florida surface waters. I read that the benzene limit will go higher and I do not believe that is a good thing to do. Please submit my request that the new standards be re-evaluated and assessed to make sure that we can stay safe after they are implemented."

— Mary Ann Durrer, Eastpoint

"After not doing anything to update the DEP water plan for Fla. since the early 1990s, you come out guns blazing with a ridiculous plan. Now you are under pressure to have a DEP plan in place before the EPA puts their plan in place because of your lack of action. Florida deserves a better steward than your agency has provided."

— Patricia Krause, Fort Myers

"I am extremely concerned about the possibility that many of the 82 chemicals (toxins) standards would be lowered. I strongly question the reasoning and motives of reducing our water quality standards especially after Flint, Michigan, and other U.S. locals."

— Arthur Deschane, Martin County

"Please don't weaken any of our water quality standards. As it is, we can't swim or fish in so much of our waters and as the population grows, we may have to rely on every drop to meet our drinking water needs."

— Laura McKee, Homosassa

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.