A Safe and Responsible Transition
Although Mosaic is closing the Plant City fertilizer facility, we’ve always recognized and accepted our responsibility to be a good neighbor. Since the commencement of closure activities, we have maintained a small team on site to secure the property and safely close it, including managing water onsite and closing the phosphogypsum stack.
Plant City Operations Timeline
1975: Operations begin.
2014: Mosaic obtains Plant City as part of the CF acquisition.
2017: The facility is idled.
2019: The decision is made to permanently close the site.
2024: Plant demolition begins.
Cutting down an overhead bridge crane structure as part of early demolition at Plant City.
Plant demolition involved pushing a section over, also known as felling.
Mosaic in your community
Water Use Practices
Because the plant’s operations have been discontinued, there is no consumption of water for production purposes. As a result, we have implemented stringent water management practices. This includes multiple water treatment systems to comply with all National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) standards. One of these treatments is reverse osmosis, which removes contaminants from the water through a membrane.
We are also actively pursuing innovative approaches to reduce surface water discharge. In 2023, Mosaic applied for a Class V Exploratory Underground Injection Well (UIC) Permit to the state. UIC technology has been in use in Florida since the 1960s to safely dispose of nonhazardous wastewater and excess stormwater into self-contained formations deep underground. This excess water is separated from drinking water sources by impermeable rock and clay formations. UIC well operations are subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. UIC technology serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to releasing nonhazardous water into surface water bodies, streams and rivers. Today, there are more than 200 UIC systems in place in Florida.
Watch the videos below to learn more about the UIC process, including an interview with well-known hydrologist and Professor Emeritus Dr. Tom Missimer, PhD, PG.
Throughout the closure process, we have regularly connected with neighbors to show our commitment to the community and our open approach to facility management. Engagement with the Plant City Community Advisory Panel (CAP) is a vital link between Mosaic and the surrounding community and will continue through the duration of the closure process to address any concerns.
Security is still active on our property, and our plans for complete closure are still progressing.
Community Involvement
Throughout the closure and moving forward, we are still proud to champion our partnerships in the Plant City community. In 2024, Mosaic donated $18,000 to United Food Bank and Services in Plant City to fund the organization’s food pantry. The funds were also used for a program in Salesforce to help easily reach and manage clientele and their needs during times of crises. Since 2022, Mosaic has supported the food bank’s Feeding Our Legacy Program, which helps seniors facing food insecurity in Bealsville and surrounding communities.
Additionally, the food bank is a longtime beneficiary of our Goals for Food program with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since 2013, Mosaic donates $1,000 for every goal and $1,500 for every hat trick scored by the Lightning to food banks in our operating area, including United Food Bank and Services. In 2024, the food bank received $12,500 from the partnership. Watch the video below to learn more.
United Food Bank of Plant City
We’re also supporting the next generation of farmers through the purchase of students’ 4H and FFA projects at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The meat from these projects is then donated back to food banks and other local nonprofits.
Additional Resources
Read the mailer below we sent out regarding the closure of the Plant City facility or review the facts on UIC technology.
We will continue to update this webpage with information as closure efforts continue.