- All
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Justice
- Mining and Land Reclamation
- Phosphate
- Phosphogypsum
- Radiation and Radon
- Regulatory Compliance
- Water
Phosphate is found in a variety of household items that we use every day, from toothpaste to soaps and sodas. But the primary use of phosphate from Florida is to help farmers grow the food we all need.
Florida phosphate helps farmers across America and around the world produce higher yields on the land that they farm. These higher yields increase food production worldwide, helping to eliminate hunger while reducing the farming footprint required to meet food demand.
Since the 1970s, government regulations have required that every acre of land that the phosphate industry mines must be reclaimed back to nature, agriculture or other productive uses. In fact, in order to get a mining permit today, phosphate companies must demonstrate that post-mining reclamation will result in a net ecological benefit compared with the land before mining. From a standpoint of ecological function, we have to put it back better than how we found it.
Most of the land that we mine has already been impacted by human activity. This activity – usually decades before mining – had the effect of cutting off or isolating wetlands, streams and wildlife habitat. Reclamation gives us the opportunity to create large-scale wildlife habitat and corridors while reconnecting streams and wetlands as they existed before the original impacts to the land.
Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of the fertilizer manufacturing process. It is produced when the phosphate rock we mine is combined with sulfuric acid to form phosphoric acid and phosphogypsum. The phosphogypsum must be filtered and removed so the remaining phosphoric acid can be used to make fertilizer. The phosophogypsum is subsequently deposited on a gypstack under strict standards established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In 1989, EPA regulations required U.S. phosphate companies to store phosphogypsum in stacks because of slightly elevated radiation levels in the phosphogypsum. This was modified in 1992 to allow use of phosphogypsum produced in north Florida as a soil amendment.
Trade organizations like the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) monitor where and how phosphogypsum is being used internationally.
No. Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of the fertilizer manufacturing process, which is separate from mining.
Learn more about phosphogypsum from the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR) and the IFA.
Radiation is not created by phosphate mining. Naturally occurring radiation is found in various concentration levels in virtually all soils as well as minerals.
Any time land is disturbed for any purpose, radiation present in the soils may be redistributed and sometimes can be found closer to the surface. The level of radiation in post-mined lands in Florida is still lower than what is observed in some other parts of Florida and throughout much of the United States. Naturally occurring radiation can be found just about everywhere and in everything. All land emits radiation because of the minerals, like naturally occurring uranium present in the soils.
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has monitored radiation levels on pre- and post-mined lands for nearly 30 years. Their monitoring results indicate radiation levels on post-mined lands are within naturally occurring variations in soils found in Florida.
EPA has found that Floridians are exposed to lower levels of natural background radiation than most Americans and that exposure to man-made radiation sources exceeds the levels from natural sources. Man-made sources include cell phones, cell phone towers, electrical power lines, microwave ovens, and medical tests (X-Rays, and CAT scans) among others.
Radon gas occurs as radiation decays. In areas of the country that have elevated levels of naturally-occurring radiation from the minerals in the soil, it is not uncommon for radon gas to be present in homes and other buildings. If a radon test of a home shows levels of radon above the EPA action level, the radon can be easily and inexpensively mitigated during or after construction.
Most homes on previously-mined lands in Florida will be below the EPA action level for radon in air, but a higher percentage may be above the action level when compared to unmined land over phosphate deposits. Radon concentration in a home largely depends on construction practices, and radon is easily and inexpensively mitigated during or after construction.
Yes. The FDOH has monitored radiation levels on pre- and post-mined lands for 30 years. Their monitoring results indicate levels on post-mined lands are within naturally occurring radiation levels in soils.
Since the late 1970s, FIPR has also extensively studied and conducted research concerning radiation, waste disposal, air and water emissions associated with phosphate operations.
Most recently, there have been two independent studies by the FDOH and Hillsborough County Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) on radon emissions that may be associated with the Riverview facility’s phosophogypsum stacks (2010 and 2012-2014). Based on those studies, no elevated radon levels were observed, and FDOH concluded that the monitoring results “are generally low compared to background levels in most of the country.”
Dust is a reflection of the materials from which it originates. This is true for dust from our mining operations which, like the phosphate rock we mine, may contain low levels of radiation. The dust generated during the removal of rock and soil above the phosphate deposits – probably the dustiest part of mining – would be comparable to the dust generated in agricultural tilling or digging in your yard.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) found while preparing the 2014 Environmental Impact Statement for phosphate mining in Central Florida that dust at mining sites remains onsite due to the size of dust particles and wind speeds routinely experienced.
Groundwater withdrawal limits are designed to allow Mosaic’s facilities to operate and continue to produce the fertilizer needed by farmers. In 2012, we worked with water management regulators to design an Integrated Water Use Permit (IWUP), which will reduce Mosaic’s daily permitted groundwater usage by an additional 30 percent over the next 20 years. The IWUP, which included a comprehensive review of Mosaic’s water management practices, was the result of nearly five years of negotiation with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).
Mosaic previously held seven separate water use permits to run its phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing operations in central Florida. By using an “integrated” approach to combine these permits, Mosaic voluntarily reduced its daily permitted groundwater usage by nearly 30 million gallons per day (MGD), a dramatic reduction of 30 percent. Today, our groundwater use constitutes approximately 2 percent of total groundwater use in the SWFWMD.
Mosaic has developed a plan to reduce freshwater usage by 20 percent per tonne of product by 2025. We’ve identified alternate water supplies like reclaimed water to help us reach our goal. As an example, Mosaic currently uses 5 million gallons per day (MGD) of reclaimed water in our operations in lieu of groundwater.
No. According to the most recent SWFWMD report, phosphate mining accounts for approximately 2 percent of the total water usage in the District. The phosphate industry Area-wide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS), an exhaustive study of phosphate mining practices, conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and finalized in April 2013, reviewed phosphate water use practices and included the following comments in their final report: “By implementing water conservation practices, including greater reliance on capturing and recycling onsite surface waters for use in the mining and beneficiation activities, groundwater use has been greatly reduced (BBS&J, 2007).” Water conservation was also addressed in Chapter 4 of the AEIS.
No. The total water use in the South West Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in 2011 was 1,022 MGD. Of that, approximately 2 percent was used for mining operations. This includes water use for phosphate, peat, limestone, sand, shell and gravel mines. Mosaic’s share of the mining and dewatering category is less than 2 percent of the total water use in the region; a relatively small amount considering Mosaic’s water use permits cover a large area in multiple counties as well as several mines and manufacturing facilities.
Responsible stewardship of water resources is a cornerstone of Mosaic’s phosphate operations. Like most other industries, we use water as a part of our operations.
Mosaic uses state-of-the-art water treatment methods to meet federal and state standards before releasing water into local waterways through permitted outfalls. The standards are met by blending waters collected from stormwater runoff, non-process water or other sources, like groundwater. We calculate 10 percent of Mosaic’s total permitted groundwater use is currently used for blending to meet stringent water quality standards.
Learn more about Mosaic’s water stewardship.
Managing water in our phosphogypsum stacks is an important part of Mosaic’s manufacturing operations. In 2004, our Riverview gypstack experienced a breach. The incident occurred in a year when an unprecedented four hurricanes struck Florida, leaving the region saturated as a result of extraordinarily high natural water levels and much higher than average rainfall. The water from the breach entered Archie Creek, and subsequently made its way to a small area along the Hillsborough Bay coastline.
This water, which was diluted quickly because of heavy rainfall, also remained very close to shore due to the tropical weather conditions. As a result, it was determined by highly-qualified third-party experts that any impacts were temporary and extremely localized.
Following the breach, Mosaic invested approximately $30 million in improvements at the Riverview facility, including infrastructure that allows us to store greater volumes of water and better manage water inventories at the facility. Many of these water management practices have been successfully implemented at other gypstacks in the region. In addition, Mosaic has performed mitigation activities at the Giant’s Camp Wetland Restoration and Oyster Reef Project and partnered on numerous restoration projects in Tampa Bay. In fact, Mosaic’s partnership with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and implementation of best management practices at its facilities on the Bay have contributed to seagrass populations meeting and exceeding major recovery goals to levels not seen since 1950 and achieving all water quality targets in Tampa Bay for the third year in a row. Read more about the improved health of Tampa Bay.
No. Phosphate mining and manufacturing operations in Florida are highly regulated. Mosaic complies with regulations put in place by agencies responsible for protecting people and the environment. Water discharging from mining and manufacturing operations is done through permitted discharge points called outfalls. To safeguard the surrounding waterways these outfalls are monitored for water quality parameters.
Today, we monitor 78 active outfalls for water quality and flow based on stringent permit requirements and we analyze surface water for 246 different chemicals. Our record of compliance with these permit requirements is demonstrated in the public record. We follow rigid quality control procedures to ensure that the water released through the outfalls meets or exceeds state water quality standards.
There are three aquifer levels: Surficial, Intermediate and Floridan. As a result of mining activities, a temporary drop in surficial water levels may occur. Generally, drinking water is sourced from the Intermediate and Floridan aquifers. However, in accordance with our permits and the strict regulations under which we operate, this change in water level is not allowed to affect areas outside Mosaic’s property line during mining operations. This has been confirmed through years of water quality and water level monitoring. Mosaic’s Integrated Water Use Permit (IWUP) is an unprecedented approach to water conservation and regulation, including the use of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), a predictive strategy for protecting wetlands up to four years in advance of mining operations. The IWUP goes beyond normal permit requirements and implements more stringent monitoring and reporting requirements, including twice the amount of previous data collection.
Actually, Mosaic is one of the most highly regulated companies in the State of Florida. Florida regulations are among the most rigorous in the nation which is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using Florida’s phosphogypsum regulations as a template for the rest of the nation. Mosaic has developed extensive monitoring systems for air pollution control, surface and groundwater management, employee health and safety, process safety management and waste management/minimization.
As part of the Areawide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS), Environmental Justice concerns as they relate to phosphate mining were specifically addressed. According to the final report, “it is expected that with mitigation, the adverse effects associated with mining would not disproportionately impact the populations of environmental justice concern in the areas leading to a minor degree of adverse effects.”
Mosaic brings many benefits to the counties where we operate. In addition to the jobs provided by Mosaic, our operations generate additional revenues for county governments as well as a significant boost to local philanthropic organizations.
Most areas we mine were previously zoned for agricultural use and must be rezoned for mining. As a result of this rezoning, property tax revenue from the land increases by millions, providing benefits to local schools and governments. In addition to property tax revenue, county governments receive a portion of the severance tax paid on each ton of phosphate rock mined at our facilities. With new mining operations, an entirely new revenue stream is created for the county government which can be invested in services for its citizens.
For example, the DeSoto mine plant construction is expected to require a capital investment from Mosaic of nearly $1 billion. This investment creates a ripple effect to surrounding businesses and a further increase in tax revenues for the county government. Construction of the plants will result in the creation of significant temporary construction jobs at the site.
Aside from the company’s cash investments in our operations, we believe that we have a responsibility to support the communities where we operate. After all, this is where we live, work and play as well. Each year, the company contributes millions of dollars to Central Florida charities and the United Way.
During the 2019 calendar year, Mosaic’s economic impact in Florida included:
• $446 million in payroll
• $448 million in capital expenditures
• $39 million in land reclamation
• $30 million in county tangible and real estate taxes
• $36 million in state severance and sales taxes
• $743,000 to United Way organizations in Florida
Below are frequently asked questions about the UIC well and permitting process.
What type of well is being permitted?
This is a Class V Exploratory Well Permit. This type of permit only allows “construction and testing” of the injection well to make sure it can safely inject treated water deep underground without affecting drinking water sources closer to the surface. After construction and testing are completed, which is estimated to take 18 to 21 months, Mosaic will need to apply for a Class I UIC permit to use the UIC well. This permit only allows non-hazardous fluids to be injected. Injection of hazardous waste is not permitted in the State of Florida.
What fluids will be injected in the exploratory well?
Only freshwater will be used to test the exploratory well, and only after the well is confirmed to be properly constructed and approved for testing by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The water source must also receive prior approval.
What fluids will be injected if the well is converted to a Class I well?
Mosaic expects to inject treated process water, as approved by FDEP. As part of the Class I permit review process, detailed water chemistry must be submitted, and FDEP must confirm the fluids are not hazardous waste before any injection is allowed.
Will the injected water mix with drinking water?
Extensive testing is performed during well construction to prove injected waters introduced into the well will not mix, or adversely influence, drinking water supplies. Injected water will be pumped more than 4,000 feet underground, well beneath any drinking water aquifers and is vertically separated by thick layers of impermeable rocks. In addition, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requires a dual-zone monitoring well to be constructed for the sole purpose of confirming drinking water supplies are safeguarded.
What if the well stops working?
To prevent such an issue, Mosaic intends to perform extensive integrity testing during construction, which is reviewed and approved by the FDEP, to certify the well is operationally sound and protective of underground drinking water sources.
Can the treated water come back up?
If and when the exploratory well is permitted as a Class I well, it will be continuously monitored to confirm it is operating safely. The nearby dual-zone monitoring well will provide constant oversight to detect any potential movement of treated water outside of the permitted injection zone. If a failure were to occur, any vertical migration of treated water would be detected, allowing for immediate corrective actions. Additionally, Mosaic will provide financial assurance to the FDEP to safely plug the well, if needed.
How often do you check the overall health of the well?
Well performance is continuously monitored using real-time data collection systems. If the well is converted to a Class I well, detailed Mechanical Integrity Tests (MITs) would be performed every five years and FDEP would conduct a thorough review of all operational and water quality data prior to any permit renewal. Other inspections may be required periodically under regulatory guidelines to confirm the well remains safe and operational.
If I want to review well reports, where do I find those? Are they public record?
During well drilling and testing, weekly reports will be provided to FDEP. All the submitted reports and test results will be available to the public through FDEP’s online portal.
Is the drilling of the well loud?
The drilling and testing of the well will produce some noise, but it is significantly reduced compared to traditional methods. The project uses a highly advanced electric drill rig, known as an ‘E-Rig,’ which is quieter than conventional drill rigs.
Once complete, is the above ground portion of the well unsightly, or overly large?
Once complete, the above-ground portion of the well is minimal. The overall footprint of the well and related infrastructure is relatively small and not visually intrusive. In fact, many Class I UIC wells that have been in use for years are located near residential areas and are virtually unnoticeable.
Will the well disrupt Florida geology? Could it cause a void?
No. The targeted injection zone consists of deep, stable rock formations well below any drinking water aquifers. Extensive testing during well construction will verify the integrity of the impermeable rock layers to confirm that injected water remains insolated below the overlying geologic units. In addition, FDEP requires that the water’s chemistry be compatible with the surrounding rock formations to prevent void or cavity formation.
Why spend millions of dollars drilling a well when you can just treat and release the water through designated outfalls?
Surface discharge of treated water will continue to be used where conditions allow, but a deep well will provide an additional water management tool in the event of hurricanes, flooding or downstream capacity limitations which make surface water discharges impractical. UIC is a proven, regulated method that provides safe, long-term management of treated water without impacting drinking water supplies. This investment adds operational resilience to our water management strategy.