Mandatory Phosphate
Program Description:
Phosphate mining occurs primarily in the central Florida area
(in Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Hardee counties). One mining
company operates in North Florida (Hamilton county). The mandatory
phosphate program is responsible for administering the rules
related to the reclamation of lands mined for phosphate after June
1975 and the rules related to Environmental and Wetland Resource
Permits for phosphate mined lands.
Phosphate mining disturbs 5,000 - 6,000 acres of land annually;
approximately 25-30% of these lands are isolated wetlands or
wetlands connected to waters of the state.
The mined landform is generally a
series of steep-sloped spoil piles with water-filled troughs.
Reclamation construction consists of recontouring and revegetation.
Program Issues:
Technical issues include hydrology,
water quality, wetland and other wildlife habitat replacement and
mitigation, waste clay disposal. The Integrated Habitat Network (IHN)
plan, prepared by the bureau, is the focus for the reclamation and
permitting efforts for phosphate mining in Central Florida. The
IHN provides for ecologically-based construction of wildlife
corridors which are to be associated primarily with the land
adjacent to major river systems and their tributaries.
Reclamation
Statistics:
Reclamation Reports
Financial Responsibility Reports
62C-16, F.A.C. Reclamation Forms: (MS Word Format)
Links:
Mining and Minerals Regulation Home
2051 E. Dirac Drive (Collins Building) Tallahassee, FL 32310-3760 Phone
(850) 488-8217 Fax (850) 488-1254
