WATER QUALITY

Sustaining Ecosystems Through Environmental Conservation

Water Quality:

Last Stand is dedicated to raising awareness about critical water quality issues and research findings throughout the Florida Keys. The waters of the Florida Keys may appear crystal clear, but beneath the surface there are excessive nutrients, contaminants, and pharmaceuticals polluting our waters and hurting our marine life, including our fisheries, seagrass beds, and corals. They also pose a health risk to humans. Last Stand is also committed to sharing up-to- date information with our community on a range of topics, including nearshore waters, potable water issues, canal restoration, sources of upstream pollutants, and wastewater management.

In pursuit of our mission, Last Stand will help to identify problematic shallow injection wells and lend support to partnering organizations in their legal initiatives aimed at reducing pollution in these areas. We recognize the importance of collaborative efforts and are proud to work with the Water Quality Protection Program (WWQPP) and the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary to further strengthen our impact and enhance the protection of our environment.

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last stand address bocc regarding 86 early evacuation rogos for cemex

Last Stand recently spoke at the April 17th BOCC meeting, expressing opposition to granting 86 early evacuation ("EE") ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC. Originally, this pool of EE ROGOs was designated for Beneficial Use Only (also known as Takings Cases) or for exchange with other ROGOs. However, the applicant is seeking to acquire all 86 EE ROGOs without providing any affordable allocations in return. This places a burden on Monroe County taxpayers and increases potential liabilities.

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Last Stand opposes the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment granting 86 early evacuation ('EE') ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC

Last Stand opposes granting 86 early evacuation ("EE") ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC. The county's exchange policy, established to maintain hurricane evacuation standards, requires recipients of EE ROGOs to provide affordable ROGOs. However, the applicant seeks to obtain 86 EE ROGOs without returning any affordable allocations, burdening Monroe County taxpayers and increasing potential liabilities. Last Stand urges support for the exchange policy, which has historical backing and potential participants. Amidst concerns over ROGO availability and overdevelopment pressures, Last Stand urges the County to maintain the exchange policy and resist exceptions that endanger residents' financial resources and safety.

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Last stand opposes the expansion of pier b

Last Stand urges denial of the proposed expansion of the Pier B cruise port due to its detrimental impact on local water quality and its location in environmentally sensitive areas. Despite lack of inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection since 2019, evidence suggests adverse effects without an environmental impact assessment. The expansion contradicts the wishes of Key West citizens, who have consistently voted to limit cruise ship sizes. Denial of the lease would not harm the applicant's business, as they could continue operations under the existing lease.

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