"MANATEE -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is suing the owner of the Piney Point site that sent 215 million gallons of contaminated water into Tampa Bay earlier this year.
The state agency, which announced the lawsuit late Thursday, alleges environmental negligence at the former phosphate processing plant. The legal complaint filed in Manatee County Circuit Court asks a judge to consider enforcement action against HRK Holdings, the owner of the Piney Point industrial site.
“This action enforces compliance with the state’s environmental laws and all of HRK’s existing authorizations, orders and agreements with the department. The department is seeking the maximum allowable penalties and recovery of costs and damages under existing laws and regulations,” FDEP Interim Secretary Shawn Hamilton said in a statement, labeling the lawsuit a “pivotal step” toward the site’s closure."
Ryan Callihan reports for the Bradenton Herald August 6, 2021.
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