Sumter County has asked state environmental officials to attend a public meeting in June on a proposed injection well at the Heart of Florida Landfill near Lake Panasoffkee.
In a letter to Secretary Alexis Lambert of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), County Chairman Don Wiley cited a lack of “independent, fact-based information” about the well.
“We are relying on the competency and dedication of your team to confirm the planned disposal use of treated leachate from this private property will not endanger the public water supply at any point during its operation,” he wrote.
Other counties are joining the effort questioning the safety of the injection well.
A letter to Sumter County from Citrus County Chairman Diana Finegan shared the concerns.
She wrote that concerns about the Florida aquifer “extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries” because her county relies entirely on the aquifer for its drinking water.
The landfill was issued a permit for a test well and drilling is under way. If that well is successful, a permanent well permit could follow.
The well would provide a way to dispose of leachate, or rainwater runoff, that becomes contaminated by flowing over the landfill. Without the well, the leachate is trucked to wastewater treatment plants out of the area.
Florida has other injection wells, but most are along the coast and not near the aquifer.
Commissioner Jeffrey Bogue suggested getting the Southwest Florida Water Management Authority involved in the issue.
County Administrator Bradley Arnold said the state agency regulates surface water and not injection wells.
“Anything we can bring to bear on this issue is greatly appreciated,” said County Chairman Don Wiley.
Commissioner Andrew Bilardello said a list of questions should be compiled for FDEP.
He said he understands the landfill’s goal of making a profit “but not at the cost of screwing up the environment.”
During the public forum, Debra Arkus of Lake Panasoffkee suggested enlisting counties across the state in the injection well issue.
“You get the whole central region covered, then they’re going to start listening,” she said.
Leslie Strickland of Sumterville blamed the test injection well for problems with private wells in her area.
She said some wells are drying up and residents experienced vibrations in their homes.