[William Djubin]

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 18, 2008 (ENS) - Today, five environmental groups filed a lawsuit to compel the federal government and the state of Florida to set numeric limits on the excess nutrients which trigger harmful blooms of blue-green algae.

In 1998, the U.S. EPA determined that prompt development of numeric standards for the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen by the state of Florida was necessary to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The groups claim that EPA action is required to achieve sufficient protection of Florida’s waters because Florida has failed to develop these standards.

Whenever it rains, runoff from factory farms, fertilized landscapes, and agricultural operations pour fertilizer residue containing phosphorus and nitrogen as well as livestock waste into Florida's rivers and lakes. These contaminants are referred to as nutrients.

The lawsuit has nationwide implications. Currently, Florida and most other states have only vague limits regulating nutrient pollution. Today's legal action seeks a court order requiring that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency impose quantifiable - and enforceable - limits for those contaminates in Florida.

As we have continually noted, NO standards, No monitoring, No system, massive pollution and Algae Blooms.

Thank you EarthJustice, Floridians appreciate your support.