Microcystis bloom in Caloosahatchee River at Olga, Florida approximately a mile and a half west of the Franklin Lock, south side of the river, October 14, 2005.
Tallahassee, Florida - Environmental groups want you to take a so-called Internet "slime tour" of polluted waterways in Florida as they try to raise public pressure for stricter pollution controls.
On Thursday, Earthjustice announced it filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation over a new state rule for nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Those are the elements that come from wastewater and fertilizer and can cause bright green algae outbreaks.
Earthjustice showed a series of photos of the St. John's River from 2005 and 2009 when the toxic blooms, which can be harmful to people and pets and cause fills kills, turned the water a sickly green.
Earthjustice attorney David Guest says the department is failing to protect residents and tourists from toxic algae outbreaks. He accuses the state of trying to delay action on the problem with studies that go on for years and years.
"Functionally what you have here is we have toxic slime outbreaks, green-covered waters all over the whole state and instead of saying it's time to stop this rule basically covers those slime ponds with studies. We're filing this case to protect the citizens of Florida that want and have a right to clean water. The system we have now favors polluters over people. That's not fair."
More Info: Get a closer look at the "slime tour"
Neil Armingeon of the nonprofit group St. Johns Riverkeeper says businesses and residents near the river are tired of dealing with polluted water. He says they have been fighting for stricter pollution controls for 14 years and the river is still sick.
Armingeon is calling on Gov. Rick Scott to take action.
"Here's my message to Gov. Scott: if he is concerned about the economies of Florida, then he should come to the St. Johns River and see what is happening there. Because when the river looks like this or this, it is not just an environmental impact. It is an economic impact."
Armingeon says a seafood business owner near the river wants it cleaned up and so do many other businesses.
"When the St. Johns River is green and toxic and unhealthy, his business suffers. The crabbers who make their living in the river suffer. Boat dealers suffer. This is not just an environmental issue. This is an economic issue. Communities across this state are suffering from water quality problems."
The Sierra Club has put together a collection of photos showing how green muck has polluted rivers, springs and lakes across Florida and placed them on the Web.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, saying it remains confident that adopting its nutrient rules is the right thing for Florida.
"Protecting Florida's water resources is a top priority of the Department, and we lead the nation in knowledge, research and action related to nutrient standards. As such, Florida is best positioned to develop these rules. The EPA, local governments, citizens and organizations statewide, support us moving forward with our rules."