Protect water supplies, don’t loosen restrictions on lime-rock mining
To the editor:
On Feb. 20 Lee County Commissioners should vote no on loosening current restrictions on lime-rock mining, especially in areas considered prime territory of the endangered Florida panther and designated as Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource (DR/GR). We need drinking water, not more mines.
Lime-rock mining is not compatible with any other land uses, as stated in the Lee County Comprehensive Plan (Lee Plan), a plan paid for with taxpayer dollars and developed by experts, county staff, public input and interested parties.
The Lee Plan acknowledges that lime-rock mining should not be contemplated near environmentally-sensitive areas, present and prospective Conservation 20/20 lands, neighborhoods, schools or agricultural zones. Furthermore, mines should not compromise our sources of potable water. After all, clean water is a finite resource.
County staff proposes the elimination of Map 14, which limits geographically future mining operations and allows public participation in the dialogue with elected officials. Once Map 14 is deleted, we are out of the picture and mining applications would go directly to rezoning process.
Why the need to alter the Lee Plan after it worked for eight years?
Write our county commissioners to vote in favor of smart growth and to respect current restrictions for lime-rock mining. Better, express in person your concerns Feb. 20 at 9:30 am at the public meeting at 2120 Main St., downtown Fort Myers.
Alessia Leathers
Cape Coral