ACF River System Needs Freshwater

As I applaud Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Allen Boyd for their introduction of legislation, calling for a comprehensive study of the water management needs along the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River System, at the same time, I welcome both men to the front line of the water war.

For almost a year now, as we witnessed further reductions in water flow, it appeared as if the small community of Apalachicola stood alone in the struggle to impede the Army Corp of Engineers from causing irreparable harm to the Apalachicola Bay and River System.

The justification for such a comprehensive study as announced in Senator Nelson and Congressman Boyd June 18, press release, suggests that the earlier Corps decision to reduce freshwater flow was made without the benefit of scientific data or a formula as to the amount of freshwater Apalachicola Bay needs to remain a healthy, productive Bay.

Before the Army Corps of Engineers allowed a reduction in water flow, they should have already had the data necessary to foresee the damage it could cause. This precipitous action has already caused significant damage to the reproductive strength of the bay.

Creation and funding of a study at this time is very notable. There is far too little science available to justify any action by the Corp of Engineers. However, it is quite possible that the Bay cannot survive the two years it will take to complete the scientific research. We need action now to prevent further deterioration of the essential natural resource that is made up of the Apalachicola river system and bay. I call on both Senator Nelson and Congressman Boyd, without hesitation, to follow their creation of a study with the introduction of emergency legislation that guarantees the return of historic water levels in the river system and prevent any further decisions that will reduce flow by the Corp of Engineers while the study is being completed.

The noticeable harm that continued reduction of freshwater flow is having on my community should be paramount to both congressional representatives and to every stakeholder along the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin. A comprehensive study is good, but we need freshwater and we need it now.