Last Stand has supported successful litigation against Marathon's use of shallow wells for sewage disposal, advocating for implementing deep wells instead. Now, Last Stand opposes Marathon's petition to expand the use of the Area 3 wastewater treatment plant and shallow wells, citing concerns about increased flow of partially treated sewage and data from an EPA-funded study indicating contamination exceeding acceptable levels. They argue that any discharge expansion from a wastewater treatment plant already violating its permit should be rejected, particularly considering Marathon's admission that the expansion is intended for future development.

On December 14, 2023, Robert S. Gold, representing Last Stand, stressed Hurricane Evacuation Planning should prioritize public safety and environmental protection, echoing concerns voiced at the BOCC meeting. He urged inclusion of Key West in evacuation models with a 24-hour limit due to the increasing threat of rapidly intensifying storms. Gold called for reconsidering evacuation time limits considering evolving weather patterns and environmental capacity amidst infrastructure challenges and vacation rental expansion. He urged Key West's leaders to advocate for these concerns at county and state levels while prioritizing safety and containing development. Last Stand is eager to collaborate on this vital issue.

Keys Last Stand commends the City of Marathon for its transition from shallow injection wells to deep sewage wells, addressing concerns regarding wastewater's impact on surface waters and marine life in the Florida Keys. Last Stand urges prompt action to safeguard nearshore waters and marine habitats, emphasizing the significance of responsible sewage disposal and environmental preservation.

Adverse water quality event in the Lower Keys. What happened to Lower Keys Water Quality this summer? Lower Keys residents sounded alarm bells this summer, asking, “what’s happening with our nearshore and canal waters?” Last Stand investigated.

The undersigned environmental and community organizations are writing on behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in the Florida Keys and throughout the state. We are concerned about the City of Marathon’s application to permit expansion and continuation of shallow well sewage disposal at a wastewater treatment facility in Marathon.