Torrential rain during Hurricane Milton breached a water collection system at Mosaic’s Riverview site, potentially releasing contaminated water into Tampa Bay. Mosaic, the largest fertilizer producer in North America, issued a statement on Friday, acknowledging the breach of their gypstack—an enormous mound of waste byproduct from phosphate production. The spill likely resulted in contaminated water, raising concerns about public health and environmental impacts.
Gypstack Waste and Its Environmental Concerns
The gypstack, covering more than a square mile of Mosaic’s site, contains radioactive elements like radium and uranium. These materials emit radon gas, a known health hazard. With the spill potentially reaching Tampa Bay, questions are mounting about the long-term effects on the region’s environment and water quality.
Mosaic’s Role in North American Fertilizer Production
Mosaic (NYSE: MOS), headquartered in Tampa, operates multiple mining and production sites across the Bone Valley, a vast 1.3 million-acre region in central Florida. The area holds the largest concentration of phosphate in the U.S., making Mosaic a key player in fertilizer production. However, the contamination concerns could now overshadow their industrial dominance.
Response to the Spill and Current Situation
Mosaic addressed the overflow on Thursday, stating that the release had stopped. The company remains in close communication with regulators, who were on site to assess the situation. While Mosaic believes the impact on water quality will be modest, the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
Storms Before and After Milton Add to Pressure
Milton brought over 15 inches of rain to the region, with winds peaking at 120 mph as the Category 3 storm made landfall near Siesta Key. Just two weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene had already flooded Mosaic’s Riverview plant, forcing a halt in production. These back-to-back storms have placed enormous pressure on Mosaic’s infrastructure.
Excess Water and Potential Breach of Reporting Standards
During Hurricane Milton, excess water overflowed from a manhole at the Riverview site, eventually making its way to an outfall discharging into Tampa Bay. Mosaic suspects the volume of overflow may have exceeded the 17,500-gallon reporting standard, though the exact quantity is still being assessed.
The Riverview Plant’s Significance in Mosaic’s Operations
The Riverview plant is Mosaic’s third-largest production site, accounting for 21% of the company’s phosphate output. Located on 1.7 miles of waterfront north of the Alfia River, the plant has been in operation for over a century. This incident could have serious implications for both the company’s future operations and the surrounding ecosystem.
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