Letter to Tom Harmer, Longboat Key Town Manager - Steube Offers Federal Assistance to Prevent Further Delays in Longboat Key Sewage Spill Recovery

Letter

Dear Mr. Harmer:
I write to you today regarding the Consent Order placed on your town by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as a result of substantial wastewater overflow in
June 2020.
It is my understand that Longboat Key has requested three deadline extensions to sign the
DEP's Consent Order and the final deadline is approaching on February 22, 2021. While I
recognize that the Consent Order was revised on January 6, 2021 to reflect additional mangrove
mortality, I was hoping you could provide a clearer picture behind the cause and necessity of
each of these extension requests. Additionally, if you are able to provide an update on the
progress of moving towards overall rectification of your town's wastewater system, that would
be much appreciated.
If a lack in resources is a key source of prevention for signing the Consent Order, I would
implore you to provide greater detail on what resources are necessary to carry out compliance.
Further, should funding be an issue in executing the consent order, I would also urge you to
consider looking into requesting federal appropriations or grants through the Environmental
Protection Agency. Your town may be eligible for certain federal grants to assist with
environmental clean- up. While I understand that this is a daunting and expensive task, it is
clearly of paramount importance to restoring our communities' water supply, health, and trust in
public officials.
I look forward to your swift response informing of the status of your rectification efforts
and any details regarding a need for resources. We all want and deserve a reliable and efficient
wastewater system and to ensure is never repeated. I stand ready to assist in my capacity as a
federal legislator and fellow Floridian.

Source