United States       Region 4        EPA 904/9-79-044
         Environmental Protection   345 Courtland Street, NE  October 1979
         Agency         Atlanta,GA 30308




v>EPA  Environmental


         Impact Statement     DRAFT
         Estech General Chemicals Corporation

         Duette Mine

         Manatee County, Florida

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                                                  EPA 904/9-79-044
                                                  NPDES Application Number:
                                                  FL0036609


                                     DRAFT
                           ENVIRONMENTAL  IMPACT STATEMENT

                                      for

                    Proposed  Issuance of  a New Source National
                   Pollutant  Discharge Elimination System Permit

                                      to

                      Estech  General Chemicals Corporation
                                  Duette Mine
                             Manatee County, Florida

                                 prepared for

                      U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency
                      Region IV, Atlanta, Georgia  30308
                       Andrea E. Zimmer, Project Manager

                                      by

                        Conservation Consultants, Inc.
                           Palmetto, Florida  33561
                    William W. Hamilton, III,  Project Manager


      Estech General  Chemicals Corporation has proposed  an open pit  phosphate mine,
      beneficiation plant and rock dryer on a  10,394 acre site in northeastern
      Manatee County, Florida.
      Mining will  involve 6600 acres most of which will  be reclaimed,  and will pro-
      duce 3 million  tons per year for  21 years.   The EIS examines alternatives,
      impacts and mitigative measures related  to  surface water,  groundwater, air,
      wetlands, and other natural and cultural systems.


               Comments will be received until November  30,  1979

                   Comments or inquiries should be directed  to

                               John E. Hagan III
                               Chief, EIS Branch
                     U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency
                                   Region IV
                           345 Courtland Street,  NE
                            Atlanta,  Georgia  30308
                                (404) 881-7458

                                 approved by:



 r    ./JV^A' ^ i ^4            -  oct^m-.
-re
'r\f  -»"•*  C. White                               Date
     Regional Administrator

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                  Summary Sheet  For  Environmental

                         Impact  Statement

                       Duette  Phosphate  Mine

                 Estech General  Chemicals  Company
 (X)   Draft
 (  )   Final
         U.  S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency,  Region  IV
                      345 Courtland  Street  NE
                      Atlanta, Georgia   30308


 1.   Type of Action  :  Administrative  (X)    Legislative  (  )

 2.   Description  of  Action

 Estech General Chemicals Corporation  is  proposing  to construct
 and  operate a  phosphate mine beneficiation plant,  and  rock drying
 facility in northeastern Manatee County, Florida.   The EPA Region
 IV Administrator  has  declared the proposed facilities  to be a
 new  source as  defined in Section 306 of  the Federal Clean Water
 Act.

 In compliance with  its responsibility under the National
 Environmental  Policy Act (NEPA) of  1969, EPA Region IV has
 determined that  the  issuance of a new source National Pollutant
 Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to  the  proposed
 mining and beneficiation facility would  constitute  a major
 Federal  action significantly affecting  the quality  of the human
 environment.   Therefore, this Environmental Imapct  Statement
 was  prepared in  accordance with the requirements of NEPA and
 EPA  regulations  at  40 CFR, Part 6.

 The  proposed facility, the Duette Mine,  encompasses 10,394 acres
 of which approximately 6,600 acres  are  deemed mineable
 according to present economic,  environmental and technological
 limitations.  The mining operation  is planned to nominally
 produce  3 million tons of phosphate ore  annually for a period
 of 21 years.  Estech presently operates  the Watson and Silver
City Mines in southwestern Polk County, Florida.  The Duette
Mine will serve as a replacement for these  facilities as their
 production expires.

Components of the proposed facilities include two draglines with
 50 cubic yard buckets; hydraulic ore transportation via pipelines
 to a central washer  for  ore disaggregation  and pebble recovery;
 a feed preparation and flotation plant for  extraction of finer
 phosphates;  a drying facility to reduce moisture in the phosphate
 rock from 13% to 2%; and shipment  via rail.

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 Operation  of  the  proposed  facilities  requires  a mining plan,
 a  water management  system,  and  an  integrated waste  disposal
 reclamation  plan.

 The mining plan as  proposed by  Estech calls  for the preservation
 of  the majority of  the  sensitive or  unique  natural  vegetation.
 The preservation  areas  include  the sole cypress stand on  the
 site  (18 acres),  a  50 acre  stand of  sand pine  scrub,  and  the
 wooded  floodplains  of the major  streams, with  the exception of
 a  three-quarter mile segment  of  the  East Fork  Manatee River.
 To  protect wetlands along  streams,  the mine  plan incorporates
 active mining  along only one  side  of  a wetland at a time.

 The proposed  disposal plan  will  utilize a sand-clay mix in  the
 approximate  ratio of 2.5 to 1  (by  weight).  A  single  480  acre
 conventional  clay settling  area  is  proposed  to receive any  clay
 wastes  in  excess of the sand-clay mix requirements  and to serve
 as a  supplemental water clarification and storage area.   Sand
 tailings in excess of the amounts  required  in  the sand-clay mix
 process will  be deposited  in mining  cuts.

 The proposed water management plan divides  the needed supply
 between surface and ground-water resources, minimizes mining
 process consumption, and provides  for  recharge of the Floridan
 Aquifer.   The  Consumptive Use Permit  issued by the  Southwest
 Florida Water  Management District  allows  ground-water withdrawal
 at a  rate  of  13 mgd for the first  3  years.  During  this time,
 a  200 acre surface water reservoir will  be constructed to provide
 storage for 3  mgd,  thereby  decreasing ground-water  use to 10
mgd.  Prior to withdrawal,  a  recharge  system will be  constructed
 to transmit water from  the  surficial  aquifer into the deep
 s y s t em.

 The proposed reclamation plan will be  accomplished  by the
 physical restructuring and  refilling  of  disturbed sites followed
 by revegetation.  The proposed methodology  is  designed to return
 the site to land forms compatible with  its rural, agricultural
 setting.   The  reclaimed site will  consist of improved pasture,
marsh and wetland environments, five  lakes, and  a 100 acre
 "wilderness" area allowed to  revegetate  naturally.  The proposed
 plan aims  to provide long range water  quality  and biological
 diversity as well  as aesthetic values  in  land  form  diversity,
wildlife protection, recreational uses,  and water resources.

 3.   Alternatives Considered

A.   Beneficiation  plant  sites were evaluated to minimize loss
of  phosphate resource,  water pumping,  ore and waste
transportation, road and utility construction,   and  destruction
of  environmentally sensitive areas.  Six  sites  were considered.

B.   Production rate  alternatives were  evaluated considering both
environmental  and  economic  parameters.  Environmental  aspects
considered  included  rate of habitat alteration/destruction,  rate
of  ground-water withdrawal,  and level of air emissions.  Economic
considerations included  production  costs, overall rock demand
and growth, and Estech's present production and marketing.

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 Alternatives were selected to evaluate the effects of various
 production rates  rather  than  to designate an optimum production
 rate.

 C.   Resource recovery alternatives  were evaluated with
 consideration given  to impacts  on  environmental  resources  and
 recovery of  mineral  resources.   The primary consideration  was
 phosphate ore underlying forested  swamps  or marsh areas.

 D.   Mining methods were  evaluated  to assess ore  recovery rates,
 energy use,  water  use and conservation,  environmental  resources,
 and  safety.   Alternatives examined  were electric draglines,
 dredges,  bucket wheel  excavators,  and technique  combinations.

 E.   Ore transportation alternatives were  evaluated considering
 the  factors  of  technical  and  operational  feasibility,  cost,
 energy use,  water  conservation,  and impact to the environment.
 Conventional  slurry  pumping,  conveyors,  and trucks were
 transportation methods considered.

 F.   Beneficiation  process alternatives  were evaluated  for  energy
 and  water  use efficiencies within  proven  state-of-the-art
 technology.   Alternative  processes  considered were conventional
 beneficiat ion,  total  acidulation,  and blast furnace.

 G.   Process  water  sources were  evaluated  to conserve  the regional
 resource  while providing  a sufficient quality and quantity of
 water.   Supply alternatives considered  were use  of surface and
 ground  water,  total  requirement  from the  Floridan Aquifer,  use
 of surface water  in  rainfall  catchment, and use  of water from
 the  surficial  aquifer.

 H.   Waste  disposal and reclamation  plans  were evaluated  for
 methods  to dispose of  sand and  clay wastes  in a  manner that
 economically  restores  disturbed  land to a productive  state.
 Physical  restoration  and  revegetation were  considered  in light
 of existing  and planned  environmental  systems.

 I.   Surface water discharge alternatives  were evaluated  from
 two  respects: volume  of water discharges  and  point of  discharge.
 Volume  alternatives considered  containment  of  long term
 accumulation, containment of  short  term accumulation,  containment
 to offset evaporation  losses  only,  and no containment.  Eight
 points  of discharge were  evaluated.   Each alternative was
 discussed in  terms of  environmental  impacts,  water  use and
 economi cs.

 J.   Rock drying alternatives were evaluated  to select an
 alternative which provided dry  rock  for shipping  and met air
 quality standards.  Alternatives assessed were construction of
 a dryer at the mine site, use of an  existing  dryer, construction
 of a dryer at a remote location, and  shipment of  wet rock.

K.  Transportation and energy source  alternatives  were evaluated.
 Transportation alternatives included  railroad with  truck as
 emergency mode, trucks only,  pipeline to  port, and  conveyor.
 Energy  source alternatives assessed were  conrmer ci al 1 y available

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electric power and various methods of on-site generation.

L.  A no-action alternative was evaluated considering
environmental and socioeconomic impacts of not constructing the
mine, beneficiation plant, or rock drying facility.

4.  Sum-nary of Major Environmental Effects

Each of the selected alternatives was integrated into the
appropriate land or water management strategy:  the mining plan,
waste disposal/reclamation plan, and water management plan,
collectively  the proposed activity.  Environmental impacts of
the proposed  activity were then assessed.  The  major emphasis
of the  impact assessment was to identify means of minimizing
the degree and extent of negative impacts caused by the mining
operation at  any one time and to minimize the permanent
alteration and/or destruction of natural systems and
environmental resources.

The direct effect of mining will be the physical destruction
of much of the present natural vegetation and the alteration
of the  site's soils and topography.  The proposed reclamation
plan is intended to mitigate the long-term negative impacts of
the minig operation.  Major impacts to  three major systems are
as foilows:

Land - Overall, 85% of the native upland vegetation will be lost.
       Reclamation is designed to replace most natural land
        communities with improved pasture, thereby largely
        precluding the re-establishment of original vegetation.
       A 50 acre stand of sand pine scrub is marked for
        preser vat i on.

Land-Water Interface - Mining will destroy at least 476 acres
       of fresh water swamps and 364 acres of fresh water
       marshes.  Proposed reclamation will restore these acreages
        and contribute additional acres for a net gain of 15% in
        land-water interface.  The sole cypress stand  (18 acres)
       on the site will be preserved.

Water - The direct impact of mining will be the destruction of
        417 acres of ephimeral feeder streams and their
       floodplains.  The remaining aquatic areas will suffer
        stress resulting from changes in temperature,  sunlight,
       erosion, water table drawdown, and addition of various
       chemicals.  The wooded floodplains of the major streams
       are excluded from mining, with the exception of a three
       quarter mile segment of the East Fork Manatee River which
        is proposed for mining and subsequent reclamation as a
        swamp.

       Mining will create several lakes on the site,  which is
       a significant expansion of the aquatic environment.

The proposed activity will significantly alter the site's
original topography through strip mining and waste clay disposal
activities.   The long-term, net effects on topography are

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 directly reflected in the  proposed  reclamation,  which largely
 returns  the  site  to  pre-mining  elevation  and  relief.   On-going
 reclamation  will  limit  the number of  acres  disturbed  at  any  given
 time  to  about  700-800 acres.

 Proposed mining will  disturb  the  existing soils  on  approximately
 75% of  the  site.   Existing soil profiles  will  be destroyed and
 in  general  the surface  horizon  will  be  buried.   Waste disposal
 and physical  reclamation will  result  in  three  new types  of
 surface  soils:  clay,  sand-clay,  and  overburden.   Each of  the
 new reclaimed  soil  types has  distinct agricultural  and
 engineering  properties  that  relate  to post-reelamation land  use
 potent i al.

 The average  annual  ground-water withdrawals will  be limited  to
 13  mgd  less  recharge  of  3  mgd for a  total  net  consumption use
 of  10 mgd.   During  the  fourth year  of mining,  approximately  2.88
 mgd of water will  be  diverted from  the East Fork of the Manatee
 River  to a surface water storage  reservoir.

 The primary  effect of withdrawals from the  deep  ground-water
 system  is the  lowering  of  the potentiometric  surface  within  the
 area of  influence of  the wells.  This effect will be  extremely
 small  in comparison  to  the large  seasonal  fluctuation.  Potential
 impacts  to water quality in the deep aquifer  system may be caused
 by  the dewatering/recharge projects which  directly  transmit water
 from the shallow system to the  deep aquifer system.   Monitoring
 of  the quality of water being discharged  is required  by the
 Southwest Florida Water Management District.

 The primary  effect of the  mining on the shallow  ground-water
 system will  be the lowering of  the water  level within the system
 by  the dewatering and/or recharge wells.

 The proposed reclamation project may cause changes in  water
 quality  in the surficial aquifer as well  as changes in on-site
 flow patterns within  the surficial aquifer.

 During active mining, stream flow into Lake Manatee will  decrease
 by  approximately 9%.  After reclamation the average flows of
 the East and North Forks of the Manatee River will be  reduced
 approximately 0.7 mgd and  0.6 mgd respectively.  This  decrease
will be  the  result of increased impoundments in  lakes  and marshes
 and the  sand/clay mix land fills.   The major drainage  courses
 on  the mine  site will be left undisturbed, except for  a small
 segment  of the East Fork Manatee River.

Discharges to streams leaving the proposed mine site  from the
 plant  water  system may be  necessary  due to temporal variation
 in  rainfall.   It  is anticipated that approximately 1.9 mgd will
be discharged into the East Fork of  the Manatee River  during
August and September of an  average rainfall year; effluent will
be discharged at  a rate of  1.8 mgd into  the North Fork during
August,  September,  and October.

The proposed mining may be  expected  to contribute both primary
and secondary air  quality effects.   Primary effects will  be

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 contributed by the operation of two phosphate rock dryers,
 storage, materials handling, and shipping facilities, as well
 as fugitive dust from land clearing and reclamation activities.
 Secondary effects will be contributed by population, corrmerci al ,
 and industrial development induced by the proposed project.
 Primary emissions from the rock dryers and associated facilities
 are very fine clay and phosphate rock particulates and
 by-products of the combustion of fuel oil, e.g., sulfur dioxide
 and ash.  The proposed sources will not violate air quality
 standards nor significantly degrade air quality.  SO7 and
 particulate matter emissions will  satisfy New Source Performance
 Standards and BACT.

 There  are no significant noises associated with mine-related
 activities  that  could be considered intrusive or detrimental
 to sensitive receptors because of  spectral content or
 i ntermi ttency.

 A potential  direct impact of mining and beneficiation is that
 of occupational  radiation exposure.  The primary exposure areas
 are the rock pile transfer tunnels.  The Duette operation,  having
 both a plant design  including properly ventilated tunnels and
 a  lower product  radioactivity level than the general  mining
 region, should not exhibit adverse  occupational  exposure.  The
 proposed fugitive dust control  on  dryer  emissions should also
 limit  off-site transport  of  airborne  radioactivity to the point
 where  annual dose cannot  be  measured  within  the statistical
 variation of natural  background.

 Upon completion  of mining,  reclaimed  lands will  have  different
 radiological  characteristics  than  the  land before mining.
 Considering  future agricultural  uses  of  the  site,  the most
 important pathway is  the  direct  uptake of  radium-226  by  row crops
 grown  on the reclaimed clay  settling  area.   Although  the radium
 content is highest here,  the  land will  be  agriculturally suited
 for row crops.   Study  results  suggest  that the  excess
 availability of  the major  cations produce  a  discrimination
 against uptake of Ra++ in  the  clay  soils containing  higher  than
 normal  radium-226.  Regarding  future  residential  development
 of  the  site, predicted indoor  radon progeny  levels  indicate only
 the reclaimed  settling area may  produce  levels  requiring remedial
 action.   The predicted clay  land form  indoor  radon progeny  level
 is  0.023 WL  (working  level).   If the clay  settling areas  are
 excluded  for structural reasons  or  topsoil replacement occurs,
 no  reclaimed lands are predicted to produce homes with radon
 progeny  levels near the 0.02 WL  remedial action  level.

 Surface water  radium-226 concentrations in off-site environs may
 be elevated  from natural levels of  0.8 pCi/1  to  2 pCi/1.  The
 drinking water standard for radium-226 is 5 pCi/1.  The  ground
water  radium-226 concentrations at  the site are  between   0.8
 and 6  pCi/1  and are less than those observed  in non-mining*
 regions.  Radium-226  levels in ground water appears to be
associated with local  subsurface conditions which are below the
 zone of surface mining influence.

The socioeconomic impact of proposed mining will exhibit a

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generally beneficial effect.  Operation of the mine will directly
require 324 workers, many of which will be relocated employees
of the applicant.  Some workers will be obtained from the Manatee
County labor force.  The direct economic effects of the mine
are favorable, producing approximate annual yields of $382,400
in sales tax, $1.92 million in severance tax and $1.982 mi 11ion
in Ad Valorem tax.  Regional economy effects derived through
standard multipliers indicate an annual indirect impact of $35.4
million and an annual induced  impact of $118.4 mi 11ion.
Estimated employment associated with the activity  is similarly
projected to be 235 through indirect impact and  1425 through
induced impact.  The mine will exert no directly discernable
effects on community services and facilities as  the operation
will be self-sufficient in  terms of minor medical  treatment,
water supply, fire and police protection,  solid waste disposal
and internal transportation facilities.  The mine will not
measureably increase demand on regional facilities for education,
major medical treatment, recreation and transportation.

Long-term land use patterns will not be adversely  impacted by
the mining activity.  The site is proposed for agricultural  uses
in the Manatee County Comprehensive Plan.  The planned mine
reclamation program is designed to  return  the site to land forms
amenable to a variety of agricultural  uses.  On  the short-term,
the proposed mine  site is located between  two approved phosphate
mines and therefore should  not disrupt near-future land use
trends in the area.

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                          TABLE  OF  CONTENTS

                                                            Page

 1. 0    INTRODUCTION  	    1

       1.1    Identification  of the  Applicant  	    1
       1. 2   Obj ec t i ves  	    i
       1.3    Project History 	    2


 2. 0    ALTERNATI VES  EVALUATION	    3

       2.1    Plant Site Alternatives  	    3
       2.2   Production Rate Alternatives  	    5
       2.3   Resource Recovery Alternatives 	    6
       2.4   Mining MethodAlternati ves  	    8
       2.5   Ore Transportation Alternatives  	    9
       2.6   Beneficiation Process Alternatives  	   10
       2.7   Process Water Source Alternatives  	   11
       2.8   Waste Disposal/Reelamation Alternatives 	   12
       2.9   Surface Water Discharge Volume Alternatives  ..   15
       2.10  Discharge Point Alternatives  	   16
       2.11  Rock Drying Alternatives  	   17
       2.12  Product Transportation Alternatives 	   21
       2.13  Energy Source Alternatives  	   21
       2.14  No-Action Alternative  	   22


3.0   DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY	   24

       3.1   Mi ni ng Operat ion 	   24
       3.2   Process  Description  	   26
       3.3   Product  Disposition  	   26
       3.4   Waste Disposal 	   26
       3.5   Water Management System 	   27
       3.6   Reclamation Methodology 	   28


4.0   DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE,  IMPACTS,  AND MITIGATING
      MEASURES  OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 	  31

      4.1   Meteorological  Conditions  	  31
      4.2   AirQuality 	  32
Baseli ne 	
Impacts 	
Mitigating Measures
                                                            33
      4.3    Noise

            Basel i ne
            Impact s~ ...............................          46
           Mitigating Measures  ....................... .*.'."   49

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                    TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Cont i nued )
                                                     Page
 4.4   Topography

       Basel i ne
       Impacts  ......................................   49
       Mitigating Measures  ..........................   51

 4.5   Soils  ........................................   51

       Basel ine  .....................................   51
       Impacts  ......................................   52
       Mitigating Measures  ..........................   54

 4. 6   Geology  ......................................   55

       Basel i ne  .....................................   55
       Impact s  ......................................   56
       Mitigating Measures  ..........................   56

 4.7   Groundwater Hydrology  ........................   56

       Basel ine  .....................................   56
       Impact s  ......................................   60
       Mitigating Measures  ..........................   64

 4.8   Groundwater Quality  ..........................   67

       Basel i ne  ......................... . ...........   67
       Impacts ......................................   71
      Mitigating Measures  ..........................   74

 4.9    Surface Water Hydrology ......................   75

       Basel i ne  .....................................   75
       Impacts ......................................   79
      Mitigating Measures  ..........................   81

 4.10   Surface Water Quality ........................   81

      Basel i ne  .....................................   81
       Impact s ......................................   89
      Mitigating Measures  .......................... 102

4.11  Radiological  Environment ..................... 103

      Basel i ne ..................................... 103
      Impact s ...................................... [i [
      Mitigating Measures .......................... 118

4.12  Biology and  Ecology .......................... 120
      Baseline
                                                     120
      Impacts  	  127
      Mitigating Measures  	  133

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                         TABLE OF CONTENTS
                            (Conti nued)
                                                          Page

            Rare & Endangered Species ...................   136
            Environmentally Sensitive Areas .............   138
5.0   DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE,  IMPACTS,  AND MITIGATING
      MEASURES OF THE MANMADE ENVIRONMENT
      5.1    Demography
            Basel ine ....................................   143
            Impacts  .....................................   144
            Mitigating  Measures  .........................   145

      5. 2    Economics  ...................................   145

            Basel ine ....................................   145
            Impacts  .....................................   148
            Mitigating  Measures  .........................   151

      5.3    Land Use ....................................   151

            Basel i ne ....................................   151
            Impacts  .....................................   153
            Mitigating  Measures  .........................   153

      5.4    Community Service &  Facilities  ..............   154

            Basel i ne ....................................   154
            Impacts  .....................................   154
            Mitigating  Measures  .........................   155

      5.5    Sensitive Manmade Areas  .....................   155

            Basel i ne  ....................................   155
            Impacts  .....................................   156
            Mitigating Measures  .................. . ......   157

      5.6    Transportation ..............................   157

            Basel i ne ....................................   157
            Impacts  .....................................   161
           Mitigating Measures  .........................   162

      5.7   Archaeological and Historical Properties  ....   163

           Basel i ne ....................................   163
            Impact s  .....................................   164
           Mitigating Measures  .........................   166

     5.8   Re source Use ................................   166

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                         TABLE OF CONTENTS
                            (Conti nued)
                                                         Page

6.0   COMPARISON OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITH AREAWIDE
      EIS RECOMMENDATIONS 	  169

7.0   PROPOSED AGENCY ACTIONS 	  !8Q

            Draft Permit 	  181

      COORDINATION LIST 	  i

      LI ST OF PREPARERS 	  i i i

      SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 	  v

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                         LIST OF TABLES



                                                    Page
2.1-A    Economic Comparison of Site Alterna-
2. 2-A
2. 3-A

2.4-A
2.5-A

2.7-A

2.8-A

2.9-A

2.10-A

4. 2-A
4.2-B

4.2-C

4.7-A

4.8-A

4.8-B

4.9-A
4. 10-A
4. 10-B

4. 10-C

Production Rate Alternatives 	
Resource Recovery Alternatives and
Regulatory Constraints 	
Comparison of Mining Alternatives 	
Comparison of Ore Transportation Alter-
nat i ves 	
Comparison of Alternatives for Water

Cost Comparison Between Alternative

Comparison of Discharge Volume Alterna-
tives 	
Comparison of Discharge Point Alterna-

Project Emissions (pounds per day) 	
Log TSP Concentration - Frequency Esti-
mates 1977-78 	
Log SO? Concentration - Frequency Esti-
mates T977-78 	
Aquifer Characteristics of the Producing
(Confining) Zones 	
Ground-water Analysis Results - Installed
We 1 1 s 	
Ground-water Analysis Results - Existing
We 1 1 s 	


NPDES Permit Application Effluent
Limi tat i ons 	
East Fork Manatee River, Mass Loadings
and Concentrations after Mixing 	
6

7
8

9

12

14

16

17
34

35

38

60

68

69
76
83

91

94

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                           LIST OF FIGURES

                                                          Page

 1.1-1     Location .......................................    1

 2.1-1     Alternative Plant  Site Locations ...............    3

 2.11-1    C & F Port  of  Entry Cost Differential
          Dry vs Wet  Rock ................................   lg

 2.11-2    Energy Consumpt ion .............................   19

 3.0-1     Mining Operat i on  ...............................   24

 3.1-1     Master Development Plan  with
          Dragline Sequence  ..............................   25

 3.5-1     Process  Water  Balance  ..........................   28

 4.2-1     Annual  1977 Total  Suspended Particulate
          Baseline .......................................   36

 4.2-2     Short-Term  (24  Hour)  1977 TSP  Baseline at
          Locations of Maximum Proposed  Source Influence  .   37

 4.2-3     Long-Term (Annual)  Effects of  Increment
          Consuming Source Particulate Emissions .........   40

 4.2-4     Projected Long-Term (Annual) Effects of All
          Stationary  Source  Particulate  Emissions ........   41

 4.2-5     Short-Term  (24  Hour) Effects of  Proposed
          Source Particulate  Emissions ...................   43
4.2-6    Projected Short-Term  (24 Hour) Effects of All
         Stationary Source Particulate Emissions ........  44

4.3-1    Estimated Day-Night Sound Average Sound Level
         (Ldn) Contours at Duette Mine During Operation  .  48

4.4-1    Existing Topography ............................  50

4.7-1    Subsurface Geology and Ground-Water Systems ....  59

4.7-2    Long-term Water Levels of Individual
         Producing Zones ................................  61
4.7-3(a) Generalized Change in the Potent i omet r i c Surface
    &(b) as a Result of a 10 rngd Net Withdrawal .........  65

4.8-1    Well Locations .................................  70

4.9-1    Average Monthly Fl ows ..........................  78

4.9-2    Peak Flood Discharge ...........................  79

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                          1.0   INTRODUCTION
 1.1  IDENTIFICATION OF  THE APPLICANT

 Effective  August  1,  1979, Swift  Agricultural  Chemicals
 Corporation  changed  its  name  to  Estech General  Chemicals
 Corporation.   The preparation  of the Draft  Environmental  Impact
 Statement  was  substantially completed at  the  time  of  the  name
 change.  Therefore,  the  name  of  Swift Agricultural Chemicals
 Corporation  (Swift)  is used throughout this Surrmary Document and
 all  attendant  Resource Documents.

 Swift  is a wholly owned  subsidiary of Estech  Incorporated and
 has  been a leading producer of agricultural chemicals since
 1908.  Swift presently operates  the Watson  and  Silver City Mines
 in Southwestern Polk County,  Florida.  The Duette Mine  phosphate
 reserve will serve as  a  replacement for these facilities  as their
 production expires.


 1.2  OBJECTIVES

 Swift  proposed a phosphate mining and beneficiation facility,
 at the Duette Mine in Northeastern Manatee County, Florida
 (Figure 1.1-1).  The operation encompasses  10,394  acres,  of which
 6,600  acres  are deemed minable.  The operation  is  planned  to
 produce three million  tons of ore annually  for  21  years.
 Construction of the facility  is  scheduled for 1980 with mining
 beginning  two  years later.
              Figure 1.1-1  Location of Duette Mine

The water management plan divides the needed supply between
surface and ground-water resources, minimizes process
consumption,  and provides for recharge of the Floridan Aquifer.
Discharges of water will be minimized and monitored for
compliance with regulatory requirements.  Monitoring will also
include air quality, earthen dam surveillance, and ground-water

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 The reclamation plan is primarily intended to return the site
 to agricultural uses.  The plan proposes preservation of certain
 important wetland and upland plant communities and reclamation
 to wetlands.  Wetland preservation and reclamation areas were
 incorporated to provide long-range water quality and biologic
 diversity as well  as land form diversity,  wildlife protection,
 recreational uses and water resources.
 1.3 PROJECT HISTORY

 Swift conducted prospecting in 1964 and 1965 to identify areas
 of  recoverable phosphate rock.  As a result, the 10,394 acre
 tract was purchased in 1965 - 1966.  During 1975 and 1977,  a
 study program of  surface water and ground-water quantity and
 quality was conducted.  Concurrently,  baseline studies necessary
 for the preparation of an Application  for  Development Approval
 (ADA) were initiated.   The ADA is part of  the overall DRI process
 in  Florida and is  required by any project  defined as a
 Development of Regional  Impact (DRI) in Sec. 380.06, Ch. 22F-2,
 FAC.

 Dragline purchase  commitments were made in 1975 followed by
 additional  prospecting in 1975 and 1977 to confirm mining areas
 for planning purposes  and to  establish extractable tonnage.

 In  April  1978,  the ADA was  filed  with  Tampa Bay Regional Planning
 Council  (the State designated Regional  planning agency)  and
 Manatee  County Planning  and Development Department (the
 designated  local agency  having jurisdiction) to secure proper
 zoning.   In addition,  a  Master Mining  Plan,  as  required  by
 Section  III  Manatee County Mining Ordinance, was  submitted  to  the
 1ocal  agency.

 In  May  1978,  the Duette  Mine  was  designated by  EPA a new source
 as  defined  in  Sec.  306 of  the Federal Water  Pollution Control
 Act Amendments  of  1972.   Pursuant  to this  determination,  the
 procedures  specified in  the National Environmental Policy Act
 were  initiated  which includes  the  preparation of  an  environmental
 impact  statement as  an integral part of  th  National  Pollutant
 Discharge Elimination  System  (NPDES) permit  application.

 In  September  1978,  a Consumptive Use Permit  (CUP)  was  issued by
 the Southwest  Florida Water Management  District  (SWFWMD)  pursuant
 to  the requirements of Ch.  373, FS.  and Ch.  16J-2,  FAC.  This
 state permit explicitly  regulates  the consumptive  use of  surface
 and ground water.

Other Local, State, and  Federal permit  applications  are  in
 various phases of  development  and  are expected  to  be  completed
 by October  1979.

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                  2.0  ALTERNATIVES EVALUATION
The alternative assessments include:  plant site location,
production rate, resource recovery, processes for mining and
beneficiation, water supply, waste disposal and reclamation
techniques, discharge into surface water, rock drying, product
transportation to port, power sources, and no-action.  Objectives
to be met in selection of the optimum alternatives are
i dent i f i ed.


2.1  PLANT SITE ALTERNATIVES

It is the objective of a beneficiation site to be placed at a
location that  minimizes:  1) loss of phosphate resource; 2) water
pumping cost;  3) ore and waste transportation cost;  4) road and
utility construction cost;  and 5) destruction of  environmentally
sensitive areas.  Alternative sites are shown on  Figure 2.1-1.
        Figure 2.1-1  Alternative Plant Site Locations

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  Resource  losses  associated  with alternative sites  are:   Site
  1  -  511,500 tons;  Site  2-0 tons;  Site  3 - 2.325  million  tons;
  Site  it  -  1.6 million  tons;  Site 5  -  1.6  million  tons;  Site 6
  -  0  tons.   The  lowest net energy costs  result  from locating the
  plant  site  at  the  center of  the ore  body (Site 4)  as  shown in
  Table  2.1-A.   The  cost  of material  transportation  is  the most
  significant cost consideration.  Energy  consumption  represents
  about  60% of this  cost.  In  comparison,  water pumping costs  are
  small.  Offsetting the  savings  in  sites  4 and 5  is  the  resource
  loss.   Locating  the plant site  nearer to existing  access roads
  reduces development costs,  but  results in higher material
  transportation costs.   Site  6 is considered  as nil cost effect.

  Table 2.1-A  Economic Comparison of  Site Alternatives

                    Site 1  Site 2  Site  3   Site  4  Site 5   SiteT

  Reserve Loss
    (Short Ton
   Product $000's)   511.5     0    2,325    1,600   1,600     0

  Cost Water Pump
    ($/ton Product)   +.006   +.007      0   +.0015   -.006    0

  A.   Energy Cost     +.005   +.006      0   +.0012   -.005    0

 Matr ix and Waste
   Pumpage ($/ton
   Product)           +.50    -.14   +1.99   -.47     -.19     0

 A.   Energy Cost     +.45    -.12   +1.80   -.39     -.17     0

 Total  Energy
  Cost  ($/ton
  Product)           +.461    -.107  +1.80    -.383     -.181

 Access  Road,
  Railroad,  Utility
  Cost  ($000's)      +250    -80     +900       0       -22       0

 Sites  4  and  5 have  essentially the  same  environmental
 ramifications as  the proposed  location  (site 6).   Site  3 exhibits
 the greatest potential for disturbance of wooded  floodplains
 preserved as a wildlife  corridor  and  for  damaging aquatic habitat
 due  to minor spills and  surface  water withdrawal.   This  site
 also necessitates destruction of  the  environmentally  sensitive,
 18  acre  cypress dome.  It may also  result in  unacceptable noise
 levels at sensitive receptor  sites.   Site 2 exhibits  some
 potential for wooded floodplain  disturbance but does  not
 otherwise differ  significantly from  the Swift proposal.  The
 primary  constraint  on Site 1  is  the potential for unacceptable
 air pollutant levels at  the property  boundary.

 From the energy and cost point of view, the  two most feasible
 alternatives are  the Swift proposal  (site  6), which would
minimize ore transportation costs, and the  western boundary
 location (site 2),  which would have smaller material

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 transportation  and  development  costs  than site 6.   Site 2 does,
 however,  exhibit  a  somewhat  greater  potential  for  damage to
 environmentally sensitive  areas  (f1oodplains)  than site 6.


 2.2   PRODUCTION RATE  ALTERNATIVES

 It  is  the  objective of  a production  rate  to  produce rock that
 will make  the corresponding  cost of  production competitive  in
 the world  market; to  insure  a  reasonable  profit;  to maintain
 a production  rate that  will  respond  to  overall  rock demand
 growth;  to replace  present production as  existing  Swift
 facilities mine out;  and to meet environmental  permitting
 requi rernent s .

 The alternatives  selected  to  illustrate various  production  rate
 effects  rather  than to  definitely designate  the  optimum are
 production  rates  of 1.5 million  tons per  year,  3.0 million  tons
 per year and  4.5 million tons per year.

 Table  2.2-A surrmarizes  the typical dragline  requirements, capital
 costs, and production costs for  the  three production  rate
 al ternat i ves.

 To meet  Swift's overall objective, mining at a  rate that  will
make the production costs  competitive and will maintain their
 share  of the market,  it appears  their proposed  production rate
 has been reasonably selected.

 Alternative one, at 1.5 million TPY, shows no  growth  increase
 and is a 10.7%  reduction from present production.   Alternative
 two, at  3.0 million TPY, replaces mined out production  and
 provides for demand growth of the phosphate industry.
 Alternative three, at 4.5 million TPY,  is excessive in  that it
 is decidedly more than  necessary to replace existing  capacity
 and is in excess of historical growth rates.

Consideration of environmental aspects  indicate all alternatives
would have essentially  the same long-term effects  on  vegetation
 and wildlife.   Positive aspects of alternative one  is that lower
 ground-water withdrawal rates would cause the  least  stress on
 regional  water  resources and annual  particulate emissions would
 be lowest.  Annual SO2emissions would be largely the  same for
 alternative one and two but the long-term contributions of one
would be twice  that  of alternative two.   Alternative  three has
a considerable potential to exceed ground-water withdrawal
 limitations and exhibits the highest air pollutant
cont r i but i ons.

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 Table 2.2-A   Production Rate Alternatives
                                  ^Capital  Cost^Production
                                  Mine and  Mill  Cost Mine and
                                       M $	Mill  M $
Production  	Draglines	
   TPY      No.  Yards  M $
1,500,000
3,000,000
4, 500,000
1
2
3
50
50
50
13.0
26.0
39.0
53.55
90.00
119.54
20.875
18.284
18.000
    *"Evaluation  of  the Phosphate Deposits  of  Florida Using the
    Minerals  Availability  System."   Bureau of Mines.  Open File
    Report  No.  112-78.   Zel1ars-Wi 11iams ,  Inc.  June, 1978.


 2.3   RESOURCE RECOVERY ALTERNATIVES

 It  is the objective  to  maximize  recovery of  the non-renewable
mineral  resources at  an acceptable cost with  consideration given
 to  impact on  renewable  natural  resources,  principally  wetlands.

Three cases of resource recovery are  considered.  Case 1,  the
proposed action,  represents  the  mining and reclamation plan of
Swift.  Resource  recovery  of  this plan would  be about  61.5
million  product  tons  of phosphate rock recovered over  a 20-21
year  mining period.   In achievement of the proposed  recovery,
Swift  has excluded the  lower  quality  "unmineable" ore  and  ore
of varying  quality underlying much of the  forested swamp
corrmunity found  along major water courses  and the cypress  dome.
Case  1 includes mining  approximately  360 of the 600  acres  of
freshwater marsh, 55  acres of the East Fork Manatee  River,  and
most  of the small feeder streams.

Case  2 excludes  the mining of all freshwater  swamp but  includes
mining of marshes as  in Case  1.  Resource  recovery would be about
57.65 million product tons of phosphate recovered over  a 19-20
year mining period.  A  presumption in this case  is that, with
the exception of a higher  depreciation rate to  account  for  the
resource loss, higher extraction costs would not  result.

Case  3 includes recovery of all  phosphate  rock  resources
regardless of  vegetative cover or current  land  use.  Resource
recovery would be about 65.9 million product tons of phosphate
recovered over a 21 1/2 - 22 1/2 year mining period.   The  case
includes mining of approximately 950 acres of forested  swamps
(including most of swamp along major  drainage courses and  the
cypress dome)  and mining of marshes as in  the previous  cases.
Table 2.3-A shows
recovery cost and
              the tradeoff relationship between resource
              regulatory constraints.

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 Table 2.3-A
Resource Recovery Alternatives and
Regulatory Constraints
    Changein Resource
   	Recovery	
           Change in Cost
Meets Regulatory
  Const raints
    Case 1  -  Proposed
    Ac t i on
    Case 2  -  Loss  of
    of  3,850,000  tons
    Case  3  -  Add
    4,400,000 tons
    rock
               -0-
         Would create slightly
         higher depreciation
         rate to account for
         the resource loss.

         Any mitigative action
         would add to costs.
Permit required for
East Fork Manatee
River System

Would meet maximum
const raints
regarding wetland
protect i on

Would require
approval of DER
and Corps of
Engineers
 Case  1,  as  proposed  by  Swift,  is  presented  as  nil  cost.   Case
 2  has  a  nil  cost  effect  but would lead  to  loss  of  3.85 million
 tons  of  phosphate resources.   Case  3  increases  resource  recovery,
 but has  the  unknown  but  assumably significant  cost  effect of
 adding extensive  mitigative action  (wetlands  restoration).

 With  regard  to  the  tradeoff relationship between  resource
 recovery  and  potential  adverse impacts  on marsh-type  systems,
 it appears  negative  effects would,  at worst,  be of  low magnitude
 and significance  considering both biologic  and  hydrologic
 functions.   For all  cases, freshwater marsh re-establishment
 through  reclamation  is  expected to  be a relatively  rapid  process
 even when un-assisted.   Although  the  potential  exists for
 development  of  pure  stands of  cattails  in constructed depressions
 and lake  littoral zones,  this  occurance would  not  be  expected
 to significantly  affect  the hydrologic  function of  the re-
 established marshes.  The cattail marshes would also  be expected
 to support many of the  animals  inhabiting pre-mining marshes
 of the site.

 Concerning  the  balance  between  resource recovery  tradeoffs and
 potential impacts related to mining of  freshwater  swamps,  each
 alternative offers distinctly  different implications.  Case 2
 represents the  "least risk" alternative as  all  wooded wetlands,
 regardless of importance, would be maintained  intact.  This would
 incur the irretrievable  loss of several million tons of phosphate
 rock product  over the other alternatives.   Case 3,  on the other
 extreme,  offers maximum  resource  recovery but with  the potential
 of incurring  highly  significant,  high magnitude adverse effects
 on all important  biologic and  hydrologic systems if freshwater
 swamp regrowth  is unsuccessful.   Case 1, not necessarily
 intermediate  to the extremes,  also offers the possibility of
moderately significant,  high magnitude  adverse  effects if
 freshwater swamp  regrowth is unsuccessful in the mined,  one-mile
 segment of the East Fork Manatee River.
Based on the operation cost/resource recovery and potential

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 impact/resource  recovery comparisons made,  the  current  optimal
 alternative would appear to be  somewhere  between Case  1  -Proposed
 Action  and Case  2 -  Swamp Exclusion as  large  scale wooded wetland
 restoration efforts  are unproven.  Case  2 includes preservation
 of  some wooded wetlands that  are  isolated and/or normally
 intermittent  in  nature and exhibit insignificant or minor
 hydrologic and biologic functions.  Conversely, Case  1  proposes
 mining  of largely undisturbed,  heavily wooded floodplains that
 contribute significantly to the overall  hydrologic and  biologic
 functioning of site  and general area.


 2.4  MINING METHOD ALTERNATIVES

 Mining method objectives are maximum recovery of the mineral
 resource at optimum  cost with reasonable  use  of energy,  water,
 and environmental resources.  Mining is  to  be conducted  to allow
 for efficient and useful land reclamation.

 Only open pit (strip mining)  ore  extraction methods are
 considered feasible  since underground mining  is not suited for
 sandy  soils prevalent in Manatee  County.  Mining method
 alternatives, therefore, include  large electric walking  draglines
 (proposed case), dredges, bucket  wheel excavators (BWE)  and
 technique combinations.

 Table  2.4-A surrmarizes the factors evaluated  in the mining
methodology assessments.

 Table  2.4-A  Comparison of Mining Alternatives
I tern/Case
Ore Recovery
Cost, $/Ton, Prod.
Energy Use, KWH/Ton
Water
Env i r onmenta 1
Safety
Dragl i ne
85-87%
1.30
12.6
B
E
S
Dredges
80-82%
1.38
25.0
S
E
S
Wheels
88%+
1.99
21.7
B
E
P
Combi nat i on
88%+
1.38
22.9
S
E
P
Ratings:  B-Best, S-Satisfactory, P-Poor, E-Equal

With regard to ratings shown in the table, the conventional
dragline mining operation does not consume water directly.
Dredge mining may result in a minor loss of water by formation
of colloidal clays when dredging and pumping overburden.  From
a water conservation standpoint, draglines and bucket wheels
are preferred.  Open pits (draglines and BWE's) temporarily
affect the adjacent water table by pit dewatering.  Dredges would
have less impact if pools are maintained at a high level.

With regard to safety, "in the pit" operations can be hazardous
due to highwall failures.  Thus, the bucket wheel technique is
considered to be less safe than other methods.  Dredge operation
requires people to work over water, which can be hazardous.
Failure of highwalls is also possible in dragline operations.

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 All open pit extraction alternatives would exhibit largely the
 same long-term impacts on vegetation and wildlife assuming like
 areas are mined and are similarly reclaimed.  The dredge method
 would not, however, necessitate dewatering of the mine pit and
 the attendant lowering of the water table on either side of an
 act i ve pit.

 Based on the tabular comparison, the dragline would be preferred
 although dredging would be acceptable.


 2.5 ORE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

 Transporting the matrix from the mine to the beneficiat ion plant
 should be achieved at a minimum cost with optimum use of
 resources and with minimal effect on the environment.   The
 alternatives which merit consideration include conventional
 slurry pumping (proposed action), conveyors,  and trucks.

 The factors considered in the assessment of ore transportation
 alternatives include technical  and operational  feasibility, cost,
 energy use, water use/conservation,  and environment.   Table 2.5-A
 compares  the factors considered in the ore transportation
 a 1ternat i ves.
 Table 2.5-A  Comparison of  Ore Transportation Alternatives
I tern/Case
Cost $/ton,
Energy Use,
Water
Envi ronment
Operati onal

Product
KWH/Ton



Pumpi ng
$ 0.92
17. 3
E
S
S
Conveying
$ 0.88
11.2
E
B
U/P
Tr ucki ng
$ 1.33
N/A
E
P
P
Rates:   B-Best.  S-Satisfactory,  P-Poor
        U/P-Unproven
        is  i ncluded
 in  phosphate.   Energy
in the Cost  $/ton.
E-Equal
   use (KWH)
for trucking
The  slurry method  is  currently  used
the  Central Florida  field and has
operational feasibility.
                by  companies  operating in
              proven  technical  and
 In the conveyor method, uniform  feeding  of matrix  to  the  belt
would be a significant problem.  Draglines could not  place  50
 tons of matrix directly in a  belt  feed hopper.   It would  be
 necessary to provide an intermediate  receiving and belt feeding
 system.  I(t is also necessary  to disaggregate the  belt-conveyed
matrix with high pressure water  and harrmer mills once  it  arrives
at the washer.

Truck transportation of ore is practical in many mining
operations  and very large trucks have been developed for  this
purpose.   Operational problems associated with truck transport,
however,  would include secondary handling of the matrix (small
bucket wheel  or payloader) as  they cannot be loaded directly
with a 50 cubic yard dragline, disaggregation of ore at the

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  washer  and  labor  intensity of  truck driving and maintenance.
  Road  construction  would  also  cause  problems for trucks  (e.g.
  river crossings,  highway crossings,  poor  soil  conditions,  heavy
  seasonal  rainfall).

  The use  of water  as  a medium  of  transport  in pumping  does  not
  consume  water.  The  alternative  ore  transportation  systems  are
  similar  in effect  on water  use since,  in  each  case,  the  ore is
  d i sagg regated.

  Concerning the environmental  ratings,  pumping  and conveying
  alternatives would each  eliminate about 15-20  acres of wetland
  vegetation due to  construction of stream  crossings.   It  is
  assumed  the construction of truck crossings  would eliminate  some
  greater  amount due to the need for heavy duty  bridges on pilings
  or culverts with approach fill.

  The pumping and conveyor alternatives each  offer a potential
  for spillage of transported materials at stream crossings.
  Extensive spills of truck transported materials into streams
  is considered remote.  The greatest  potential  for adverse effects
  related  downstream sedimentation  by  spill  materials would appear
  to be  associated with pipe-wall rupture in  the pumping
  alternative if secondary protective  measures fail.

 The only alternative  with significant implications  for addition
  to air pollutant  burdens  is the truck transportation
 alternat i ve.

 Due to lower  energy costs,  transport of ore by conveyor  is the
 most  economical  alternative; however,  the  operational  viability
 of  this  method is  unproven.   The  problem associated  with
 transferring  the  ore  from the  dragline to  the conveyor  and the
 need to  relocate  the  conveyor  continuously as mining advances
 are significant  disadvantages  of  the conveyor transport method.
 The continuing increase  in  power  cost  makes further  study of
 this alternative prudent.   However,  in view of  the proven
 reliability of  pumping and  its  compatabi1ity with the  dragline
 and dredge mining  alternatives, the  ore  pumping alternative is
 currently the most  satisfactory ore  transport method.


 2.6 BENEFICIATION PROCESS ALTERNATIVES

 The purpose of beneficiation is to reject  the maximum amount
 of  contaminants while recovering  the maximum amount of phosphate
 from the  ore.  These objectives are  to be achieved at optimum
 cost considering the end  use of the  rock product.  The processes
 employed are to be energy and water use efficient.

The alternatives to conventional beneficiation  do not offer  any
 effective solutions.  The total acidulation  process  (direct  acid
 conversion of  matrix)  is  only experimental   and  not available
 for use at this time.   Furnace alternatives  (high temperature
decomposition) are cost  and energy intensive and unsatisfactory
lor this  ore body.   Thus,  conventional beneficiation is
considered optimum.
                                     10

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 2.7 PROCESS WATER SOURCE ALTERNATIVES

 The process water supply objective is to provide water to the
 mining operation of sufficient quality and quantity to optimize
 operational and mineral  recovery efficiency while conserving
 the regional water resource.

 Supply alternatives considered are:   use of surface and ground
 water  (proposed action), total requirement from the deep Floridan
 Aquifer,  use of surface  water in rainfall catchment and use of
 water  from the surficiai (water  table) aquifer.

 Table  2.7-A compares  the quality,  dependability, energy cost,
 and resource impact of  the  water supply alternatives.   The
 ground-water resource, whether from the shallow or deep aquifer,
 is  presumed to be of  highest  quality.   The availability of water
 from the  deep aquifer  is assumed the  most dependable.

 Swift's base case (Alternative 1)  uses both ground-water  and
 surface water.   This  alternative provides for  a dependable source
 of  sufficient  high  quality  water for  the beneficiation process
 and reduces the impact on  the deep aquifer compared to the
 exclusive  use  of  ground-water (Alternative 2).   Pumping costs
 are also  less  for this alternative relative to  ground-water
 pumping alone.

 Alternative 2  (Floridan  Aquifer)  impacts only  the  ground-water
 resource  in the deep aquifer.  This alternative provides  for
 a dependable source of high quality water.   Pumping costs  are
 slightly  higher than for Alternative  1.   The  impacts of
 ground-water  pumping are acceptable for  the first  three years,
 but  for the long  term, Alternative 1  is  preferred  because  of
 its  reduced impact  on the deep aquifer.

 Alternative 3  (rainfall  catchment) has  the  lowest  pumping  costs
 but  is not  acceptable in terms of  water  quality or
 dependability.   In  addition,  this  alternative has  the  potential
 of  reducing the downstream  surface water  supply, would destroy
 hardwood floodplains by  reservoir  construction,  and has not  been
 proven technically  feasible.

Alternative  4  (surficiai  aquifer)  has  the  highest  pumping  costs
 and would  not provide a  dependable source of water.  In addition,
 this alternative would have an adverse  impact on the maintained
 vegetation  on site because of   drought   conditions imposed on  the
surface soils for the 20-year  mining period.

 In view of  these considerations,  the base case  as proposed by
Swift (Alternative 1)  is  the optimum blend of various  resource
uses and power cost considerations.  The mitigative action of
implementing recharge wells  makes this alternative even more
at t ract i ve.
                                    11

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 Table  2.7-A   Comparison  of Alternatives  for Water  Supply
Alt,
Al t .
Alt.
Quality*
//I
#2
Exce
Poor
Exce
llent G/W
S/W
llent
Dependabi 1 i ty
Dependabl e
Dependabi e
Resource
Impact
G/W
G/W
and S/W
only
Pumpi
Cos
$72,
$80,
ng
t
000
000
 Alt. //3  Poor           Not dependable   S/W  vegetative  $47,000
                                          sys tem 
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  reclamation of  the approximately  255 acres  required  for the plant
  site and support facilities would be the same for both cases.

 All reclaimed areas initially would be planted  in forage
  species.  As is frequently practiced, scattered tree plantings
 would be made in reclaimed pasture areas at a density of two
  trees per acre, of which half would be 2"-4" transplants and
 half would be potted seedlings.  Since wetland  restoration is
 not currently part of conventional reclamation  technology,  it
 was assumed that no areas would be restored as wetlands.  Also,
 no areas would be allowed with minimal  reclamation to revegetate
 naturally since this is at variance with current local and state
 reclamation standards.

 Case 11 - Case II is the Swift plan.   Under this plan, the
 sand/clay mix technique is the primary  waste disposal method,
 requiring a total of 5,426 acres, of  which all but 200 acres
 are in mined-out areas.   An initial  480-acre conventional  clay
 settling area with a dam height of 30 feet  is required on  unmined
 land.   Approximately 848 acres of conventional sand tailings
 disposal areas  in mined-out pits are  also elected.   The remaining
 574 acres of  mined-out  land is not utilized for  waste disposal.

 All sand/clay landfills  are reclaimed without the  use of capping
 material.   The  single  clay settling area  is reclaimed by the
 crust  development  technique and sand  tailings disposal  areas
 are capped  with  approximately  two feet  of overburden.  The
 acreage not  required  for  waste disposal  is  reclaimed  as  land
 and lake areas.   Of  this  574  acres, shallow zones  amenable  to
 marsh  establishment would be  created  on  approximately 90 acres
 along  the margins  of  four  reclaimed lakes and a  100-acre area
 would  be physically altered only by the  partial  leveling of
 spoils  to provide  an  area  amendable to  natural  revegetation.
 The 255  acres  required  by  the  plant site  and support  facilities
 will be  physically  reclaimed by  conventional means  of dismantling
 facilities, grading  to approved  slopes, etc.

 Revegetation  plans for Case II  include  the  planting of  5,928
 acres of  improved pasture with  a mixture  of  grass and legume
 species.  Mixed  forest strips  totalling approximately 58 acres
 would be planted  in upland  reclaimed pasture  areas.
 Approximately 485 acres of  forested wetlands would be planted,
 primarily along major drainage swales and also along  a restored
 segment of the East Fork Manatee River.    Approximately 538 acres
 of  shallow aquatic environments  created in  sand/clay  landfills
would be allowed to revegetate naturally.  Along with the 90
 acres of shallow zones created  in the margins of reclaimed lakes,
 this constitutes a total planned marsh restoration of 628 acres.
The 100-acre land and lake  area subjected to only partial spoil
grading would be allowed to revegetate naturally.  All the land
areas associated with the remaining 384  acres of land and lake
areas would be grassed.

The two cases  must be judged on the basis  of their  relative costs
and on their ability to  achieve the applicant's economic and
environmental  objectives  for the reclaimed site.   Ideally,  the
lowest  cost  method will  produce the most favorable  results.
                               13

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    In lieu of  such ideal  conditions,  the economic and environmental
    productivity of the reclaimed site should justify the added  cost
    i ncur red.

    Developing  precise  figures  for  waste  disposal/reelamation  costs
    requires input  data derived from detailed engineering studies.
    This  is, of  course, not  possible when comparing two conceptual
    alternatives.   A further  complicating factor  in this  analysis
    is that there  is very  little actual  field experience  with  the
    sand/clay mix  technique  upon which to base cost estimates.
    Nevertheless,  it is possible to make  approximate cost comparisons
    based  on published  methods  of estimating  mining and reclamation
    costs  (Zellars-Wil1iams,  Inc.,  1977b;  Zel1ars-Wi11iams,  Inc.,
    1978).   Table  2.8-A summarizes  the cost comparison  between the
    two described  cases based on these methods  of  cost  estimation.

Table 2.8-A Cost  Comparison Between  Alternative  Cases

~Cost/TonCost/Ton
                         Total      Product     Total      Product
                                -Case  I			Case  II
Waste Disposal/Physical
Restorat ion
  o Conventional Clay
    Settling Areas      $42,365,000   $0.689    $ 3,026,000   $0.049
  o Sand Ta i1i ngs
    Disposal Areas      $21,414,000   $0.348    $ 4,704,000   $0.077
  o Sand-Clay Mix
    Areas                         -        -    $68,504,000   $1.114
  o Land and Lake
    Areas                         -             $   760,000   $0.012
  o Plant Site and
    Support Facilities  $   128,000   $0.002    $   128,000   $0.002

Revegetation            $ 2,797,000   $0.046    $ 2,663,000   $0.043

Grand Total             $66,704,000   $1.085    $79,785,000   $1.297

   According to  this cost comparison, Swift's selected waste
   disposal/reelamation plan will cost $0.21 more per ton of product
   produced or  approximately 20 percent  more than conventional waste
   disposal/reelamation techniques.

   In  rating the  two cases for  achievement of long-term economic
   goals,  Case  II  must be given the  preference.   The approximately
   5,400 acres of  sand/clay soils planned in this  alternative are
   projected to  be more productive than  the soils  which result from
   conventional waste  disposal/reelamation techniques.   Moreover,
   under Case  II,  disturbed land will be returned  to a productive
   use at  an earlier date than  for the conventional  waste disposal
   case.

   The risk of a dam failure and its  resulting environmental  (and
   economic) damage is  greater  in Case I.   Case  II  has  the most
   obvious  advantage over  Case  I  in  the  area  of  revegetation  efforts
   to  mitigate the  loss  of  natural conrmunities  to mining.   In Case
                                 14

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 I, all reclaimed areas would be improved pasture resulting in
 a permanent loss of 364 acres of marsh and 476 acres of swamp.
 As river swamps and marshes were found to be the most productive
 wildlife habitats of the site,  the reduction would significantly
 reduce the long-term carrying capacity of the mine site.  In
 Case II,  a variety of  revegetation efforts are proposed to
 attempt re-establishment of destroyed wetland habitat.  The Case
 II planned restoration of  over  1,100 acres of wetlands represents
 a significant  contribution towards mitigating adverse impacts
 of mining on local  wildlife populations.   Additionally,
 reforestation  strips (hedgerows) in upland areas and abandonment
 of a minimally reclaimed 100 acre area will  provide areas  of
 wildlife habitat not available  in Case I.

 The advantages Case II  offers,  in terms of both the economic
 and environmental  productivity  of  the reclaimed site,  appear
 to justify the added costs  this  alternative  imposes over the
 more conventional Case  I  alternative.   Case  II, therefore,  may
 be designated  as the optimum alternative. Due to the  conceptual
 basis of  the plan,  it  is  expected  that modifications  will  be
 made  (in  practice)  in  response  to  more detailed engineering and
 to variables in actual  operations.


 2.9  SURFACE WATER DISCHARGE VOLUME ALTERNATIVES

 The  objective  is to  keep  the  amount  of discharged water  to  a
 practical minimum,  dictated by feasible economic  limitations,
 while maintaining the quality of  all  discharged water  at the
 applicable  standards for the  receiving water.   Alternatives
 considered  regarding discharges  from  the  mining operations
 include:   1) Containment of  long  term  accumulation  (55  in.
 rainfal1/yr.);  2) Containment of short  term accumulation (50
 in.  rainfal1/yr.);  3) Containment  to offset evaporation  losses
 only  (Proposed Action) and  4) No containment.

 Table 2.9-A summarizes the  alternatives.  The optimum
 alternative, based on the comparison,  is  number three.
 Alternative one  is costly and it possesses the  potential for
 dike  failure.  Alternative  two is also  substantial1y more costly
 than  alternative three and  possesses the  potential  for dike
 failure, as in alternative  one.   A financial or resource loss
would also be incurred due  to the construction of impoundments
 over  areas containing mineable phosphate  ore.  The  reduced
 potential  for surface water degradation or water  conservation
 is not deemed sufficient to offset the  previously mentioned
 negative attributes.  The selection of  the third  alternative,
however, does not completely define it  as the optimum possible
system.   Improvements or modifications  possibly can be
 implemented by  Swift, during design or  operation,  to further
feasibly reduce discharge.   Alternative four  would require
additional  water to  be  obtained  from either the rivers or
deepwells.
                              15

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 Table  2.9-A  Comparison of Discharge Volume Alternatives
         Estimated  Initial  Potential  Effect on Surface
         Impoundment Costs  Liability   Water Quality     Remarks
Al t.  1
Alt. 2
  .3 mi 11 ion
$2.1 mi 1 1 ion
Al t. 3
 None
 Maximum
  Simi 1 ar
  to
  Alt.  1
 Mi nimum
Al t.
None
Mi nimum
 None
Potential for
increase in
TDS and TSS
in receiving
s t ream.

Increased
potential for
increase in
TDS and TSS
in receiving
s t r earn.
Loss of resource:
due to extra
impoundment
cons t ruct i on.

Loss of resources
due to extra
impoundment
cons t ruct i on.
Discharge must
be acceptable
quali ty
Increased      Discharge must
potential for  be acceptable
                                       poss i ble
                                       increase in
                                       TDS and TSS
                                       in receiving
                                       s t ream.
                                           quali t y.
   2.10 DISCHARGE POINT ALTERNATIVES

   The objectives of  discharge  point  selection  are  to  maximize  water
   conservation  and management  at  the lowest  cost while meeting
   water quality standards  for  the receiving  waters.   The
   alternatives  assessed regarding their  ability  to  achieve  the
   stated objective  include :   1)  discharge directly into  East  and
   North Fork Manatee River;  2)  discharge directly  into North Fork
   and into  pool  connected  to East Fork Manatee River; 3)  discharge
   directly  into  North  Fork,  into  river overflow  pool  when not  full,
   and directly  into  East Fork when river overflow  pool  is full
   (Proposed Action); 4) discharge directly into  East  Fork Manatee
   River;  5) discharge  into river  overflow pool connected  to the
   East  Fork; 6)  discharge  directly into  East Fork Manatee River
   when  overflow  pool is full;  7)  discharge directly  into  North
   Fork  Manatee River;  and  8) deepwell injection  of  all discharge
   water.

   Assuming  they  meet water  quality standards,  all alternatives
   appear  acceptable  with the exception of alternative eight.   The
   optimum alternatives  based on comparisons  presented in  Table
   2.10-A  would be alternative two  or Swift's plan (alternative
   three).  Both  alternatives maximize water efficiency and minimize
   discharge although alternative  two is more cost effective.  The
   cost  difference is,  however,  off-set by operational effectiveness
                                16

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 of discharge flexibility inherent  in alternative three.
 Alternative eight  is  rejected because of  increased risk  of
 contaminating ground  water  and the high capital  cost  associated
 with deepwell  injection.

 Table 2.10-A   Comparison  of  Discharge Point  Alternatives
Al ternat i ves
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Estimated
Capital Cost
$ 18,000
12,000
19,000
15,000
9,000
16,000
3,200
600,000
Water Management
Ef f ic i ency
Fai r
Good
Good
Poor
Fai r
Fai r
Poor
Fai r
 2.11 ROCK DRYING ALTERNATIVES

 The objective  is to  prepare  the  phosphate  rock  for  shipment  in
 a condition acceptable  to customers while meeting  regulatory
 requirements regarding  air pollution.  The  alternatives  selected
 for assessment are:   1)  Install  rock dryer  at the Duette Mine
 (Proposed Action); 2) Ship wet rock; 3) Use existing dryer at
 remote location; and  4)  Install  rock dryer  at a  remote location.

 The proposed action  of  drying the  rock at  the mine  is the  least
 costly while meeting  the objective of providing  an  acceptable
 product to the customer.  The cost of transhipment, primarily
 the handling of the  rock at  a separate dryer site,  adds more
 than $1.00 per ton to the cost of  the product;  therefore,
 contract drying at an existing site or construction of a new
 dryer at an alternate site are expensive alternatives.  Drying
 at a port facility could be  a viable alternative since the
 product would of necessity require some handling and possibly
 storage which would  normally be a  part of the mine's dryer
 facilities.  These costs would then be transferred  from mine
 to port site.   Cost  savings  in fuel for drying are  also a
 possibility at a port location.  There are  no existing public
 port facilities,  however, that offer these  advantages to Swift.

 In terms of operating costs  at the mine plant site, shipping
wet  rock is less  expensive than drying the  rock.  These costs,
 however,  are only transferred and  increased  if the  customer is
 not  capable of  processing the wet  rock since water must be
 shipped and then  removed by drying.  As shown in Figure 2.11-1,
 the  heavier wet rock results  in higher  delivered costs at all
                               17

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 points  of  delivery  except the lower  Mississippi.   Beyond the
 1,000 mile radius,  shipping costs  exceed drying  costs;  therefore,
 the competitive marketing cost becomes  a major factor.   Product
 grade,  quality, and  condition become more important  in  the world
 market  and customer  specifications will  remain an  important
 consideration.
             ?.oo -
             1.50
             1.00
             0.50
            -1.00
                  $4.50/T

                   500 mi.
                        S13.00/T

                         2500 mi.
       $13.00/7

        5000 mi,
$14.00/T

 6000 mi.
                                             $20.00/T
                                             10,000 mi
$13.00/T
 5000 mi
                  LOWER    CANADA
                 MISSISSIPPI
        SOUTH    EUROPE
        AMERICA
         FAR
         EAST
AVERAGE
DISTANCE
                              SHIPMENT DESTINATION

                Basis: $1.75/Ton to dry rock at the plant site.
                Note:  Ocean freight rates and mileages are for typical phosphate
                    shipments from the port Of Tampa.
        Figure  2.11-1
C&F Port  of Entry Cost  Differential
Dry vs Wet  Rock.
Total  acceptance  of  wet rock,  as  the basic  form of the phosphate
rock  commodity on  the world market,  is not  expected for  some
time.   Many users  have small phosphoric acid  plants and  the
designs vary widely  making conversion to wet  rock not only
expensive,  but technically difficult.  Conversion to wet  rock
also  requires installation of wet  rock grinding in addition to
major  wet  phosphoric acid process  design changes.  Significantly,
capital  for the modifications  is  not readily  available in many
developing  countries.

Some  dry rock is  used  to produce  triple superphosphate for which
no wet  rock process  exists.   If drying at the acid plant  is
desired,  small dryers  located at  small plants are inefficient
and very expensive compared  to the  large units  employed by rock
                                 18

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 producer s.

 More energy in the  form  of  fuel  oil  is consumed to dry the  rock
 than is consumed to ship  the  additional  water in the wet rock,
 assuming that the rock will  not  be dried at the final
 destination.  Figure  2.11-2  shows  how energy consumption to ship
 the moisture in the rock  increases with  shipping distance and
 how it compares with  the  energy  consumption to dry the rock.
 In the case of rock dried at  the final destination, energy
 consumption would be  the  greatest  since  the energy consumed
 shipping the water would  be  added  to  the energy consumed in
 drying the rock.
                 450 -
                   i n
                 400
                 350
                 300
                 250
                 200
                 150
                 100
                 50
                                          IS
                                          J *
                                          o
                    tx O
                    LLJ in
                    g-
                          o o
                          <_> o
                          — o
                         ENERGY CONSUMPTION TO
                          SHIP MOISTURE IN ROCK
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
 TO DRY ROCK
                 Figure 2.11-2  Energy Consumption

From an environmental  viewpoint,  a ranking of alternatives  from
best to worst may  be  characterized and surrrnarized as  follows:

o Ship Wet Rock  -  This is  the best environmental choice  only
if the rock  is not  dried  in less  efficient and  less effectively
controlled equipment  at  the destination.   From  a standpoint  of
phosphate rock customer  requirements, it  is, in effect,  also
a no project alternative.   Within the range of  available and
viable environmental  alternatives, the present  preemptive nature
of this alternative suggests  that it  even be excluded.
                                19

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 With a gradual shift to wet rock grinding and processing
 facilities,  wet rock shipping may eventually be demonstrated
 as reasonably practical and a preferred environmental alternate.

 o New Dryer  at Remote Site - It is assumed that the site would
 be within a  developed port facility of the region.  Also it is
 assumed that the air and water quality conditions at the remote
 site are sufficiently marginal with respect to standards that
 present source emission regulations could not produce the
 necessary conformance to ambient air quality standards and that
 the required additional level  of emission control would reduce
 pollutant contribution to the regional pollutant burden and
 produce a better environmental choice.  For example, the best
 site would be within an area designated for non attainment,
 because the  new source would have to negotiate at least a
 corresponding reduction from another source so that there would
 be a projected reduction in area emissions.  This extreme example
 should indicate potential  economic unattractiveness added to
 economic disadvantages  discussed above.

 o Dryer at Duette  Mine  (Proposed Action)  - It  is required that
 this  new facility  be designed,  constructed and operated in
 accordance with the  existing body of environmental legislation
 and regulations designed to protect  the public health and
 welfare.   It must  be recognized that the  environmental  analyses
 suggest these requirements  can be satisfied,  and in some cases,
 with  considerable  margin.   Thus,  the alternative is considered
 an environmentally acceptable  action.

 o Use Existing Dryer at  Remote Location -  Continued or  expanded
 use of  older,  less effectively controlled  equipment located in
 areas marginal  with  respect to air  quality standards would
 increase  regional  pollutant  burdens.

 Both  wet  and dry phosphate  rock  are  minor  garrma radiation
 sources,  and there is no measurable  difference in  radiation
 levels  between  the two  products.   Lung dosages of  radiation are
 higher  near  rock dryers,  but conventional  dust  control  systems
 maintain  radiation levels within  the guidelines  for occupational
 exposures.   The  application  of  best  available  control  technology
 for new source  dryers would reduce  pollutant concentration  levels
 even  further.  Workers  near  adequately  ventilated  wet  and dry
 rock  handling  facilities, generally  are not  exposed to  radiation
 levels  exceeding the guidelines  for  the general  population.

 Pollutant Control  System Selection:  Prevention  of  Significant
 Deterioration  (PSD)  regulations  include a  requirement for
 application  of  Best Available Control  Technology  (BACT)  to  major
 source  developments.   BACT  is a formalized  analysis  of
 potentially  applicable control systems  and  a final  selection
 based on performance (i.e.,  pollutant  removal  efficiency),
 economics  (i.e., capital and operating  costs)  and  irretrievable
 energy  requirements.   The process is completed following
 regulatory approval  of the control concept  and  issuance of  a
BACT Determination.
                                20

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  A preliminary evaluation of  pollution control  systems narrowed
  the evaluation to  two  practical  alternatives  for  both the dryer
  facilities  and fugitive dust  control  systems	fabric filtration
  (baghouses)  and  wet  scrubbing technologies.   A review of  the
  advantages  and disadvantages  of  these systems  lead  to the
  selection of  the proposed  venturi-absorbers  and wet  centripetal
  vortex  contact scrubbers.


  2.12  PRODUCT TRANSPORTATION  ALTERNATIVES

  The  transportation objective  is  to  ship  the  phosphate rock  to
  local or port  destination  as  efficiently and  safely  as  possible
  with minimum  disruption.   The alternatives selected  for
  assessment are:  1) Railroad  with truck as emergency mode
  (Proposed Action); 2) Trucks  only;  3)  Pipeline to port: and 4)
  Conveyor belt.

  The presently  feasible  alternatives for transportation  of the
  phosphate rock to the port facilities  in the Tampa Bay  area
  appear  to be  that of railroads and/or  trucks.  Both  the pipeline
  and conveyor belt alternatives present the significant  problems
  of obtaining a continuous  zone of right-of-way and/or  land
  purchase for a route to a  port and prohibitive capital  costs
  for construction.  Railroads  are established in Central Florida
  and they are reliable.   The initial  capital cost of  installing
  the railroad to the mine from existing facilities would be
 weighed  versus operational  cost.   Presently,  rail  is  the most
 economical  transportation available because it uses  less energy
 and is  generally environmentally acceptable.   Long trains can
 disrupt  traffic at  various  intersections  with major  arteries.
 The truck alternative will  use more  energy, but it is a lower
 capital  investment  and,  in  some cases, has  a  higher   reliability.
 However, it  has environmental  (air  pollution)  considerations,
 it would contribute to  traffic congestion,  and it  is not known
 if the present road systems have  the ability  or capacity to
 handle the  traffic.


 2.13  ENERGY SOURCE  ALTERNATIVES

 The objective  is  to maintain maximum efficiency in energy
 conservation while minimizing  energy costs  and  environmental
 dis rupt i on.

 Energy source  alternatives  assessed  are:  1) Corrmer ci al 1 y
 available electric  power  (Proposed Action); 2)  On-site coal,
 oil, gas  powered  generator; 3) On-site nuclear  power  generator-
 *)  On-site solar  power generator; and  5) On-site hydroelectric
 generators.

 The only  feasible alternative  is  to  purchase the required  power
 irom a corrmercial producer.  This source is practically  cost-free
 to  the miner to build and maintain and  is environmental1v
 acceptable.                                               }

On-site generation by coal,  oil, or gas would have four  costly
                                21

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 drawbacks or constraints;  the capital  cost; the cost of operating
 the plant (personnel  and fuel cost);  valuable mi neral resources
 could be covered by the on-site energy plant; i.e., building
 and cooling  pond area could not be mined for  phosphate; and
 special  measures would have to be taken to insure a nonpolluting
 energy system.   Regarding  nuclear generation, with the exception
 of  a reduction  in air pollution,  this  alternative has the same
 drawbacks as generation by coal,  oil,  or gas.  In addition,
 strict control  of the fuel and security for fuel  waste disposal
 would have to be resolved  at  considerable expense to Swift.
 Current  solar power technology has not advanced to the point
 where sufficient electrical  energy could be obtained from the
 sun to satisfy  mine requirements  on a  practical,  non-
 inter ruptab'l e economic basis. None of  the streams on the property
 are capable  of  supplying the  needed steady water  flow to provide
 the mine's electrical  requirements through hydroelectric
 generators.


 2.14  NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

 The no-action alternative  would be to  not construct the proposed
 New Source on the Duette tract  and to  allow the area to continue
 its  present  day socioeconomic and environmental trends.
 Sunmnarized below are  general  local  and regional effects  related
 to  continuance  of  the  present day trends with reference made
 to  the potential  influence of the proposed Swift  activity on
 these trends.

 Soc i oeconomi c - The general  socioeconomic effects of the no-
 action alternative  on  the  region  and local  area can be  derived
 from baseline descriptions  and  projections  of  demography,
 economics, and  community services.  These baseline  elements
 indicate  that failure  to construct  and operate  the  proposed new
 source would  exert  little  effect,  positively  or negatively,  on
 general  regional  or local  projections  for population growth,
 economic  growth,  or demands for community services  and
 fac i1i t i es .

 The  region,  and Manatee  County  specifically,  has  a  considerable
 immigration of  new  residents  and  an expanding and diversifying
 employment base.  These  trends  could be  expected  to largely mask
 any  effects exhibited  by the  no-action  alternative  on  regional
 or  local  demography or  employment.  The  region and  Manatee  County
would be  expected to continue  its  general  trend of  population
 growth and employment  diversification  as  a  result of  its  favored
 "Sunbelt"  location.  With  regard  to community services  and
 facilities, demands would  be  expected  to  increase,  unaffected
by the status of the Swift proposal.   These demands would be
created through general  population growth  pressures.   In  any
case, phosphate mines  are generally isolated and,  by necessity,
are  largely self-sufficient in  fire and  police protection,  water
s upply, etc.

The general result of   the no-action alternative on  socioeconomic
conditions of the region and  specifically Manatee County would,
in effect, be one of unrealized potential economic  benefits.
                                22

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  Economic  benefits  of  the  proposed mine,  as  represented  in  Section
  5.2  Economics would be  about  $4.5 million  in  local  property and
  state  severance  taxes with no  appreciable  effects  exerted  on
  public  services, facilities,  etc.  Additionally, the  projected
  $25 million  annual expenditures  by Swift for  products and
  services would not be realized.

  The  no-action alternative would, of course, represent the  loss
  of 61.5 million  tons of phosphate rock resource.   The annual
  production rate  of 3 million  tons of  rock  is  about  8% of current
  Florida phosphate  production.

  On a greater than  local or regional scale,  a  potential  for
  positive impact  on the United  States  balance  of payments would
  be lost due  to unrealized sale of the rock  product, upgraded
  rock products and  food products grown domestically.

  Envi ronment  - The  present day  general trend for eastern, rural
 Manatee County to  be largely devoted  to agricultural activities
  is not expected  to change in the foreseeable  future.  The only
  noticeable change  to this trend, which is viewed as temporary
  in nature, is the approval of  two phosphate mines  in eastern
 Manatee County as Existing Sources.   The two approved mines,
  neither of which are presently in operation, are located
  inrrnediately north and  south of the Swift Duette tract.

  In the absence of mining on the Duette tract,  it is expected
 that  little physical modification of  the tract will occur over
 the next two  decades.   Because of the relatively poor soil
 conditions  at the Duette tract, it  is  unlikely that the  native
 rangeland  (cut-over flatwoods), which comprise the  majority of
 the site,  would  be  rapidly converted  to  improved agricultural
 uses.   The  practice of  clearing native rangeland for production
 of  watermelon and/or  tomato  crops for  a  few seasons may  result
 in  several  hundred  acres eventually  converted  to improved
 pasture.   This  conversion  of  a few  hundred  acres of the  tract
 to  pasture  should not  exert  significant  adverse impacts  on  the
 biology  and ecology of  the site.  As  current land clearing
 practices  for improved  agricultural  use  typically avoid  wet soils
 due  to  the  impractica1ity  of  its  use  as  pasture or  for row
 crops,  significant  destruction of wetlands  on  the tract  is  not
 expected.

 If  additional  acreage  is cleared  for  row  crops and/or  improved
 pasture  as  assumed,  irrigation  requirements  would probably  result
 in  average  annual withdrawals  of  ground-water  approaching that
 proposed for  mining.  These withdrawals would  be confined
 to  the dry  season only,  however,  and probably  would result  in
 worst case  aquifer  drawdowns exceeding those associated  with
mining on the tract.

 In the no-action  alternative,  therefore, most  if not all
 unavoidable adverse environmental impacts,  associated  with mining
 would not occur.  The existing  natural setting would continue
more or less  unchanged.  A projected benefit associated  with
mining and  reclamation,  the improvement of  soil  quality  and
 productivity  potential, would also not accrue.
                               23

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  Swi ft  proposes
  and  practiced
  major  cornponen
  hydrauli c ore
  a  feed prepara
  drying;  and  sh
  (initially)  di
  as  backfill  in
3.0  DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY

 to use equipment and design generally available
by presently operating mines (Figure 3.0-1).  The
ts of operation are large walking draglines
transportation via pipeline to a central washer;
tion and flotation plant; wet rock storage and
ipment via rail.   Clay and sand wastes are
sposed of  in separate areas,  with subsequent mixing
 reclamation.
                  Figure 3.0-1   Mining Operation


 3.1 MINING OPERATION

 Figure  3.1-1  illustrates  the  proposed mining sequence using two
 draglines.  The  draglines  strip overburden  for  deposit  inmined-
 out cuts.   Exposed matrix  is  excavated and  dumped  into  a slurry
 pit or  "well"  --  an  excavated  sump within  reach of  the  dragline.

 break! n    t    t" dl\ects  high PreSSure water  g^s  at the matrix
 breaking  it into  a slurry.

 Pumping systems deliver the s1urried matrix  to  the  plant    A
 pumping system has a  "pit  pump",  the  suction of which draws the
matrix  slurry  in  the  "well" into  a pipeline.  The pipeline
 transports  the matrix slurry at  the velocity necessary  to
maintain solids suspension.
                              24

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                                                                       OU WILL LOCATION
FIGURE :  3.1-1
           MASTER     DEVELOPMENT   PLAN
           WITH    DRAGLINE    SEQUENCE
SOURCE :   ZELLARS - WILLIAMS , INC.
U.S.  EPA - REGION  IV
DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT  STATEMENT   FOR
SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL  CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
MANATEE COUNTY  ,  FLORIDA

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 3.2 PROCESS DESCRIPTION

 Slurried matrix is passed through a wet screening process to
 recover the +1 rrm or pebble sized material.   Unacceptable pebble
 is discarded as waste.  Product is stored in pebble bins for
 dewatering and quality control  analysis prior to shipment or
 placement on storage piles.

 Underflow fine material from washer screens  moves to the feed
 preparation area where hydrocylones separate the waste clays
 (minus 150 mesh material) from the sand-sized particles, termed
 feed.   The feed is transported  to the flotation circuit.

 Flotation is a two-stage process; "rougher"  flotation separates
 phosphate particles  from silica sand by use  of  a fatty acid
 reagent suite,  followed by deoiling and "cleaner" flotation by
 an ami ne flotation of  the sand  particles.  The  sand-sized
 product, termed concentrate,  is dewatered with  water recycled
 to the flotation plant.


 3.3  PRODUCT DISPOSITION

 Wet phosphate rock is  received  from the concentrate and pebble
 dewatering bins  at about  16% moisture and  stored in open piles.
 Concentrate and  pebble "rock" products  are stored separately by
 grade  and/or  contaminant  content  to facilitate  blending of  rock
 to meet shipment  specificiations,  and to maintain inventory.
 Rock  dewaters  to  about  13% moisture while  in storage with
 drainage directed  to  the  plant  water  system. The storage system
 delivers  wet  rock  to  either  the dryer  feed bins  or  the wet  rock
 1oadout bi ns.

 The last  step  in  processing is  drying.   Wet  rock from the storage
 pile  is  reclaimed  according  to  the  blend of  pebble  and
 concentrate  required  to yield the  desired  chemical  and physical
 analysis  of  the  shipment,  and delivered  to the  dryer  feed bin
 by belt  conveyor.  The  average  13% moisture  is  reduced to 2%
 in the  dryer.  Moisture is  driven  off  by contacting  the product
 with a  large  volume of  hot  air.

 Dry product  is  transferred  to concrete  silos  for  storage.
 Conveyors  transfer dry  rock from  the  silos to rail  loadout
 facilities.  Approximately  2.5 million  tons  per  year  of  dry
 phosphate  rock will move  by rail  car  to  Gulf  coast  ports  for
 water  borne shipment to other U.S.  ports or  foreign  ports  in
Mexico, Europe, and Japan.  Rail  shipment  within  Florida  will
 account for the  remaining  .5 million  tons  per year.


 3.*  WASTE DISPOSAL

The beneficiation of phosphate ore  generates  two  solid waste
products: 1) clay or "slimes" consisting of  -150 mesh material
and 2) sand tailings consisting of  -14+150 mesh material.
Traditionally the two waste materials have been transported to
separate disposal areas, however, recent experimental work has
                               26

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  been  conducted  on  using  a mixture  of  the  two wastes  to  backfill
 mine  cuts.   Swift  has  committed  in  their mine  plan to use  a  sand-
  clay mix  in  land reclamation  and thereby  reduce  the  need for
  traditional  separate disposal  areas.

 At  the  time  the mine becomes  operational, Swift  will select  a
  sand-clay mix method based on  the  economic and technological
  feasibility  of  the choices available.

 Based on  current experimentation,  sand and clay  will be mixed
  in  the  approximate ratio of 2.5 to  1  (by weight).  The mixture
 will be enclosed by levees averaging  14 ft. in height.  The
 enclosed  areas will be filled  to 9  feet above natural grade
 leaving a freeboard of 5 ft.   Filling above ground is necessary
 to allow  for subsidence of the material as it dewaters and
 consolidates, and to facilitate gravity flow within the water
 return  system.  Approximately  5,426 acres are planned for use
 as sand-clay-type disposal all but  200 acres of which will  be
 in mined-out areas.

 A 480-acre conventional clay settling area is planned for the
 mine.   This area will  receive all clay wastes generated before
 the sand-clay mix procedure becomes operational.   The settling
 area will  remain active throughout  the mine life  to receive clay
 wastes  in excess of the sand-clay mix requirements and to serve
 as a secondary water  clarification  and storage  area.   By the end
 of the mine life,  the  area will be  filled to about 25 ft. above
 natural  grade.

 The Duette ore has  sand slightly in excess of that required for
 the sand-clay mix.   Excess  sand will be deposited in  mining cuts.
 The level  of  filling will  be determined by drainage requirements
 and overburden  available  in  protruding spoil  piles to cover the
 sand tailings fill.   In the  first  year of  mining, sand  tailings
 will  be  used  to  construct  retaining dikes.   Thereafter,  about
 42 acres per  year will  be backfilled with  tailings for  a total
 of 848 acres.
 3.5  WATER MANAGEMENT  SYSTEM

 Water  is  used  in  ore transportation, washing,  preparation  of
 feed,  flotation,  and waste disposal operations.   The majority
 of these  water  requirements  will  be supplied  from the
 recirculation  system.  This  initial system  consists of  the  clear
 water  pond,  the clay settling pond, active  waste  disposal  areas,
 the  beneficiation plant, areas under reclamation,  and ditches
 interconnecting these  components.  Water  released  from  clay and
 sand wastes  is  recycled over and  over again through this system
 until  lost due  to entrainment in  wastes or  products or  lost to
 seepage into impounding embankments.  The recirculat ion system
 capacity  is  relatively small during the early  years of  operation,
 requiring makeup water  at more variable rates  until the surface
water  reservoir and clay impoundment reservoir are developed
When the  recirculation  system is  fully operational, approximately
 89% of the total water  requirements will be recycled water.
                               27

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 The water  balance for the proposed reelrculating  system is shown
 in Figure  3.5-1.   Makeup water  required to offset  system losses
 averages  11,207  gpm (16,138,000  gpd).   Water within  the ore
 accounts for  2,207 gpm of this makeup  requirement.   The remainder
 is supplied by ground water pumpage until the  fourth year, when
 surface water diversion from  the East  Fork Manatee River supplies
 an average of 2,000 gpm to the makeup  requirements,  leaving 7,000
 gpm of ground water.
          MOD
     4187   6.03
                 RAINFALL
                  MATRIX
               ENTRAINED WATER.
     2307   3.18   \_
     7000   10.06
               GROUND WATER
     2000   2.88  | SURFACE WATER
                            PROCESS
                            SYSTEM
                                     EVAPORATION
                                      OTHER
        =u>
 SAND a CLAY  \
ENTRAINED WATER /
                                       SEEPAGE
6PM  M6D


2690  3.73


 332  0.48




9290  13.38





1380  2.28
  DISCHARGE
                                             =t>
                   1597  2.30
             -RECYCLE 604  0.87
          NET DISCHARGE 993  1.43-,
                          I RECYCLE WATER '
                          l— 9«,800 GPM	'
     GPM- gal lent p«r minutt
     MGD- million gallon* per day
                Figure  3.5-1  Process Water Balance
The  water balance, mine  water system,  and
are  based on average  ore characteristics,
climatology, all of which are likely to  vary annually.
         reelrculation system
         production rates,  and
 3.6   RECLAMATION METHODOLOGY

 Physical  Restoration

With  the  exception of  a  100-acre area, all  land disturbed  by  the
operation will  be restructured and/or backfilled with waste
materials in conformance with county and  state slope
 requirements.   In sand-clay  mix landfills,  the exterior levees
and any protruding spoil piles will be graded  down.  Beyond
conforming to  slope requirements,  no attempt  is planned to cap
sand-clay landfills.

 In the clay settling area, the formation  of a  dry surface  crust
will  be encouraged by  the  installation of perimeter and interior
ditches to induce drainage.   When  the crust has formed, the
retaining dike  will  be pushed down and any  volunteer vegetation
cleared from the  area.

In sand tailings  landfill  areas,  the overburden material in the
                                28

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 protruding spoils will  be distributed over the landfill  to an
 average depth of  two feet.

 In land and lake  areas,  the spoils  will  be graded to conform with
 terrestrial  slope requirements  and  to form littoral  zones
 consisting of 12  to 1  subaqueous slopes  out to a depth of  6
 feet.

 In disturbed natural ground areas,  all  facilities will be
 dismantled when mining  is complete  and  the areas graded  as
 necessary to conform to  slope requirements.

 In addition to these primary physical  restoration techniques,
 several special  techniques  are  planned  to serve particular
 reclamation goals.   A three-quarter mile segment of  the  East Fork
 Manatee River is  proposed to be restored by creation of  an
 adjacent floodplain and  channel  with  the same  elevation  and
 gradient as  the existing stream.

 Shallow basins allowed to form  around  the drainage outlets in
 sand-clay landfills will  be retained  as  rnarsh  environments.
 Drainage swales will  be  constructed through adjacent sand-clay
 landfills to interconnect these marshes.

 A  100-acre land and lake area has been designated as a natural
 restoration  area.   The only reclamation  efforts in this  area are
 to be  the topping  of  spoils  to  eliminate peaks  and the
 interconnection of  water  bodies  to  provide a flow-through  system
 at high water  stages.

 Revegetat ion

 About  6,000  acres  of  reclaimed  land will  be planted  to forage
 grasses  and  legumes.  Forage  species will  be selected to match
 the potential  productivity  of each  reclaimed soil  type.

 Reforestation  in  upland  areas will  include mixed plantings of
 native  species such as water  oak, live oak,  longleaf pine, slash
 pine,  etc.  in  strands approximately 150  feet x  1,000 feet.  In
 the reforestation  of  the  55-acre segment  of the East Fork  Manatee
 River,  the  soil will be  stabilized  by forage plantings followed
 by transplanting  of  native  trees from the existing floodplain.
 The transplanted  trees will  have 2-3 years  to  establish
 themselves  before  the stream is  diverted into  the new channel.
 Reforestation of  four major  drainage  swales  totaling 430 acres
 is  planned  by  transplanting  potted  and bare-root  seedlings at
 a  density  of  100  trees per  acre.  Only native  hydric trees will
 be  used  in  the plantings.

 Two types  of  reclaimed land will be allowed  to  revegetate
 naturally.   The shallow  basins  created in  sand-clay  landfills
 are expected  to be  favorable  environments  to develop marsh-type
 vegetation naturally.  The minimally reclaimed  100-acre  land  and
 lake area  in  the northeast  portion  of the  tract  will  also  be
 allowed  to revegetate naturally as  it is  bordered  on  the
 southwest  by an undisturbed  segment of the  South  Fork Little
Manatee River.  The adjacent  native vegetation  is  presumed a  seed
                               29

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source for the natural revegetation.

Reclamation Chronology

Contouring and revegetation of land and lake areas is estimated
to require two years to complete.  Backfilling with sand
tailings, capping with overburden, and revegetating will require
about three years.  In sand-clay landfills, two years has been
allotted to filling, two years to subsidence and consolidation,
and an additional year to revegetation, for a total of five years
to complete reclamation.   Because of the lengthy period required
to form a surface crust,  ten years has been allotted to complete
reclamation of the single clay settling area.
                              30

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           DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATING
                MEASURES OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
 4.1  METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

 Temperature - The average monthly temperature for Tampa, Florida
 varies from 61 degrees in January to 82 degrees F in August.
 The winter of 1976-1977 was the coldest on record with January,
 1977 being the coldest January on record.   The minimum average
 yearly temperature on record since 1938 was 70.5 degrees F in
 1969.  The maximum average yearly temperature was 74.3 degrees
 F in 1948.  The average yearly temperature based on records from
 1890 to 1977 was 72.2 degrees F.

 Precipi tat ion - Data collected at two locations on the proposed
 mine site from 1975 through 1977  indicate  an average annual
 precipitation of 48.03 inches.  The long-term record (1890-1977)
 for the National Weather  Service  station in Tampa recorded an
 average annual precipitation of 48.71 inches.  The maximum annual
 precipitation recorded by the Tampa observation station since
 1938 was 70.43 inches in  1957.  The minimum for the same period
 was 28.89 inches in 1956.  Over 50% of  the total annual
 precipitation occurs during the well-defined rainy season from
 June through September which is characterized by isolated
 thundershowers during the late afternoon and early evening
 hours.   The maximum monthly precipitation  is in August  and the
 minimum is in November.   Precipitation  throughout the remainder
 of  the year is associated with the passage of frontal  systems
 through the area.

 Evaporation - The Southwest Florida Water  Management  District
 (SWFWMD)  cites an evapotranspiration (ET)  rate of 39  inches per
 year  (Water Crop,  1977) based on  a study by Cherry,  Stewart,  and
 Mann  (1970).   A more recent study  by Dohrenwend (1977)  gives  a
 rate  of 34.84 inches per  year.  Using the  SWFWMD ET rate,  the
 ET/precipitation ratio for  Tampa  is  0.80.   Using the more recent
 ET  rate of 34.84 inches the ET/precipi tation ratio is  0.72.
 These calculations  are based on Tampa's  annual  precipitation  of
 48.71 inches.

 Open  pan  evaporation  rates  from Lake Alfred,  Florida  average
 69.24 inches  per  year  for  the  period  1971  through 1975.   This
 is  slightly higher  than the 60  to  65  inches  reported  by the U.S.
 Weather  Bureau  (1959)  for  the  areas  from 1946-1955.  The  same
 U.S.  Weather  Bureau  document  reports  the average annual  lake
 evaporation  rate  to  be between  50  and 52 inches  with 60-62%
 of  this  evaporation  occurring  from May  through October.

 Dispersion  Phenomena  - The  Tampa wind pattern  demonstrates  a
 strong  influence  from the  land-sea  interaction.   The winds  are
 predominantly  from the east  through  the year.  The westerly
 component  is more pronounced during  the  spring and  summer  than
 in  the fall and winter when  there  is a  stronger  northerly
 component.  The average annual wind  speed  for  the  period  1964-
 1969 was 7.3 knots (3.75 meters per second;  6.3 miles per  hour).
Wind  speeds of 10 knots were exceeded 17.6% of the  time.
                               31

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 Stability data are available only for Tampa.  Atmospheric
 stability for Tampa is slightly unstable to extremely unstable
 22.1% of the time, neutral 37.4% of the time, and slightly stable
 to extremely stable 40.5% of the time (NOAA, 1972).

 Mixing depth of less than 120 meters occurred about  10% of the
 time from 1960 through 1964, and occurred most often from October
 through May.  The average morning mixing depth for
 nonprecipitation cases (1960-1964) was
 wind speed  through the mixing depth of
 The average afternoon mixing depth for
 meters  with an average wind speed of 7,
 (Holzworth, 1972).
493 meters with an average
5.3 meters per second.
this period was 1359
8 meters per second
 Episode or  stagnation conditions exceeding two day durations
 occurred about  twice a year  from 1960 through 1964.   Episodes
 exceeding three day durations  occurred about once every two years
 for  the same  period (NOAA,  Tabulation II,  1968).

 Severe Weather  - The chances of  a hurricane (tropical  cyclone
 with winds  in excess of  74 mph )  entering the Tampa area in a
 given year  are  1 in 20 (Dunn,  1967).   The  probability is less
 for  the proposed mine site.  However,  the  intense rains (normally
 5-10 inches)  associated  with these storms  would be likely to
 effect the  mine site if  a  hurricane struck the Tampa Bay region.

 The  proposed  mine site lies  within a  one degree square which had
 a  total  of  43 tornados between 1955 and 1967.   During  this same
 period,  statewide,  the greatest  number typically  occurred in June
 (Pautz,  1969).

 The  proposed  mine site lies  within a  one degree square which had
 9  hailstorms  with hail 3/4 of  an inch  in diameter or greater from
 1955-1967 (Pautz,  1969).

 The  proposed  mine site lies  within a  one degree square which had
 19 wind  storms  with  wind speeds  of 50  knots  or  greater for the
 period 1955-1967 (Pautz, 1969).

 Tampa  has about  90  days  per  year  with  thunder shower  activity
 (NOAA,  1977)  and Lakeland has  about  100 (NOAA,  1977).   The more
 severe storms are  attended by  hail  or  strong winds which can
 inflict  serious  crop damage  (Bradley,  1972).
4.2  AIR QUALITY

In t r oduct i on

The analysis of proposed air quality  impact was performed  in a
manner consistent with objectives of  Prevention of Significant
Deterioration  (PSD) and includes results of precons t r uct i on
monitoring activities, control equipment selection to achieve
BACT, emissions estimates and mathematical modeling to  insure
conforrnance with PSD increments and National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS).

-------
 Methodology -  The underlying methodology involved computer
 simulation  of  source emissions  to determine consumption of PSD
 increments, and  the estimation  of background air quality
 concentrations  to which  source  emissions could be added to
 determine  future conformance with NAAQS.  The computer  simulation
 examined existing and future source  contributions,  annual  and
 24-hour  averaging times,  and the proposed as well as  significant
 interacting external  sources.   Background air quality was
 developed  from statistical  analysis  of measured data  where
 necessary.   Screening level  analysis  was used where minimal
 impacts were anticipated  and confirmed.

 For  the most part,  the  impacts  are measured on a scale  of
 conformance with air quality standards  that fully encompass
 public  health, welfare,  and  aesthetic values.

 Emissions Estimates - Emissions  from the proposed facility were
 estimated fromAP-42 Compilation of  Emission Factors  (EPA,  1973),
 manufacturer performance  proposals and  data,  and projected
 operating factors for the proposed activity.   The results  of
 these estimates  are provided in  Table 4.2-A.   The estimates  in
 Table 4.2-A include both  construction and operating emissions.
 The  construction estimates  comprise  several elements, each a
 major activity period within a  span  of  two years.   As the
 duration of any  individual  element may  be only six  months  to  one
 year, all values  taken  together  display  a worst  day
 representation with all  activities overlapping at  one time.
 Except where noted,  the  stationary source emissions are most
 accurate estimates  in the table.   The data from which these
 estimates were computed  formed  the basis for  modeling source
 eff ect.

 Baseline

 Preconstruction  Air  Quality  - Preconstruction air  quality  at  the
 proposed project  location was determined primarily  from
 measurements,  and for the case of  suspended particulate, by both
 measurement  and modeling  (estimation) methods in  accordance with
 PSD  requirements.   Where modeling  was used,  baseline  values were
 generally determined  for points  at maximum pollutant  effect that
 were identified  in  the analysis  of impacts.

 A  one year  program  of preconstruction air  quality measurement
 commenced in the  spring of 1977  and concluded in  the  summer of
 1978 with the purpose of measuring total  suspended  particulate
 matter  (TSP), sulfur  dioxide, atmospheric fluorides, and
 vegetative  fluorides.  For particulate matter  and sulfur dioxide,
 the measurements  were subjected  to statistical analysis  (EPA,
 1971) to project  values comparable to air  quality standards.
 Results  of  these  analyses are displayed  in  Tables 4.2-B  and
 4.2-C.   Spatial averages and individual   station data indicated
 that  the existing total  suspended  particulate matter and sulfur
 dioxide  levels  were below air quality standards by considerable
mar gi ns.
                                 33

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 Table  4.2-A    Project Emissions (Pounds Per Day)
Phase/Pollutant
lemporary/Construction
Site Preparation
Construction
TOTAL
TSP

80
60
140
Fugitive
Dust

--
550a
550a
HC

no
90
200
NOX

20
1.000
1,020
S02

nil
60
60
CO

660
460
1,120
Gaseous
Fluoride

--
--
Operation/Mining and
Processing

  Mining                  10      850a       11       156       77     50

  Wet Rock Storage        —    l,350a>b

  Dryers                 551      nil        37C   l,819d    206     I85C

  Dry Rock Storage
  and Transport          279      nil

  Transportation
(auto/truck/R.R.)          3    	«•        20    	46       6     108
                   TOTAL 843    2,200a'b    68C   2,021     289    343
c
a  Refer to text.  Fugitive dust emissions include a substantial weight percent of
   coarse particulate matter (unlike dryer emissions) that will redeposit relatively
   close to the point of emission.

b  Analysis of product particle size suggests methodology produces substantial
   overestimation (99.98% > 40 urn).

c  Pollutant loadings generated by fuel combustion process for equivalent industrial
   boiler capacity.   Reduced generation and/or removal  may be expected in fluidized
   bed dryers and wet scrubbing devices.

d  Based on field measurements conducted on a similar fluosolids dryer.
                                      34

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 Table 4.2-B  Log TSP Concentration - Frequency Estimates, 1977-78
Station
S-l
S-2
S-3
Average
NAAQS
Pr imar y
Secondar y
Cor r e 1 at i on
Coef f i ci en t
it p n
.98
.97
.98
(.99)a


Second
Maximum
24-Hour
Average
82. 1
68.6
113.5 a
(100. 5)a
83.7

260
150
Annua 1
Geomet r i c
Mean
25.2
20. 1
28.6 a
(27.7)a
24. 3

75
60
Annual
Ar i t hmet i c
Mean
27.9
22. 5
32.9
(31.3)a

(None)
(None)
 Florida Standard
150
60
(None)
 a -  Excluding measurement  of  121.5 micrograms  per  cubic meter
     corresponding to  gusty winds  predominantly from the direction
     of  a  nearby  dirt  road.

 Note:   Values  in micrograms per cubic meter.

 Preconstruction  TSP Background  -  The  statistical  analysis  was
 relied  upon  to develop  annual and 24-hour  background TSP levels
 to support modeling of  particulate matter  impacts.   An  estimate
 of the  statistical  geometric mean,  25 micrograms  per cubic meter,
 was  selected as  a conservative  approximation of  the annual  TSP
 background  level.   Following  the  example of a  previous  EIS (EPA,
 1978),  an average of  the three  station 95  percentile values, 55
 micrograms  per cubic  meter, was estimated  as the  short-term or
 24-hour background  level.

 1977 TSP Baseline - PSD Review  requires determination of  1977
 Baseline concentration  which  is defined as the ambient
 concentration  level reflecting actual  air  quality  as of  August
 7, 1977, less any  contributions from major stationary sources
 which corrmenced  construction after  January 6,  1975.   The  latter
 are charged against available PSD increments.  A consequence of
 the definition is  that  the  1977 Baseline is an unmeasureable
 abstract quantity which must be determined by modeling.  This
 quantity was determined for both  annual and 24-hour  average
 conditions using  the  AQDM and a combination of CRSTER and PTMTP-W
 computer codes,  respectively, for  several  locations  of worst
 effect identified  in  the source impact analysis.
The annual 1977 TSP Baseline displayed in Figure 4.2-1 reflects
relatively minor influence from the 239 major sources in the 1977
Baseline  inventory since there is a 25 micrograms per
background level included in the value.  These values
with federal  primary and state standards of 75 and 60
per cubic meter, respectively.
                         cubic meter
                         compare
                         micrograms
The 24-hour 1977 TSP baseline displayed in Figure 4.2-2 includes
                              35

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                              25.6 yg/m
                              'KEENTOWN
                                 PPTY. BOUNDARY
                                 25.6 yg/m
                                     -f     +
                                                     25.5 yg/m
                 ALL VALUES
                 GREATER THAN
                 25.5 yg/m3 AND
                 LESS THAN
                                                     BOUNDARY
                                                        1-
                                                                   26.5 yg/m
                             1982 MAX.PT,
                       +    l +      +  fl
                                                                   ALL VALUES
                                                                   LESS THAN
                                                                   25.5 yg/m3
                                                                   AND GREATER
                                                                   THAN 25.0 yg/m
                                 25.5 yg/m
                                 PPTY.  BOUNDARY
                             1
FIGURE :  4.2-1

ANNUAL  1977  TOTAL  SUSPENDED

PARTICULATE   BASELINE

SOURCE :  CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS , INC.
U.S.   EPA - REGION   IV
DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT    STATEMENT   FOR

SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
CORPORATION

PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY  ,  FLORIDA

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                                             ^•56.8 yg/m
                                               PPTY. BOUNDARY
FIGURE  :  4.2-2
SHORT  TERM  (24  HOUR)  1977  TSP
BASELINE AT LOCATIONS  OF  MAXIMUM
PROPOSED  SOURCE INFLUENCE
SOURCE •  CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS , INC.
U.S.  EPA - REGION  IV
DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY   ,  FLORIDA
                                    37

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 two  significant  points  of  interest  --  the  locations  of  worst  case
 (highest,  second  highest)  concentration  at  a maximum point
 irrespective  of  the  property  boundaries  and the  comparable  worst
 case location on  a property boundary.  The  worst  case locations
 were determined  by  intensive  modeling  of many  combinations  of
 sources,  worst  case  meteorologies,  and a fairly  complex process
 of  elimination  of meteorological  conditions not  productive  of
 maximum effect.   As  with  the  annual  Baseline  result,  external
 sources had  relatively  minor  short-term  effect at the proposed
 project site  inasmuch as  the  background  level  represents 55
 micrograms  per  cubic meter of the values shown at maximum impact
 locations.  These values  compare  with  federal  primary and state
 standards  of  260  and 150 micrograms  per  cubic  meter.

 Sulfur  Dioxide  Baselines

 The  comparatively low sulfur  dioxide emissions produced by  the
 source  suggested  a less rigorous  screening  analysis  would
 adequately  insure conformance with  air quality standards.   A
 substitute  baseline  value was developed  from  1977-78 sulfur
 dioxide measurements which included  the  effect of existing
 sources at  the  proposed site  during  the  period of measurement.
 This baseline was developed from  the analysis  of  sulfur dioxide
 data (Table 4.2-C) and  applied to the  impact analysis  in a
 simplified  fashion.  The  statistical projection  for  annual  sulfur
 dioxide baseline  was 15 micrograms  per cubic meter.   This value
 compares with federal primary and state  standards of  80 and 60
 micrograms per  cubic meter, respectively.   The projected 24-hour
 or short-term baseline was estimated .to  be  75  micrograms per
 cubic meter.  This value  compares with federal primary  and  state
 standards of  365  and 260 micrograms  per cubic  meter.

 Table 4.2-C   Log  SO2 Concentration  - Frequency Estimates, 1977-78

                   Second Maximum              Annual
 Stat ion	24-Hour Average	Ar i thmet ic  Mean
S-l
5-2
5-3
Average
75.8
79.8
64.5
73.4
12.3
12.5
18.3
14.4
NAAQS

  Primary             365                          80
  Secondary           260                          60

Florida Standard      260                          60

Note:  Values in micrograms per cubic meter

Nitrogen Dioxide Baseline

Measurements conducted by others (ESE, 1975-78) at a similar
rural site approximately six miles from the proposed mine
suggested that area nitrogen dioxide concentrations were of the
order of 10% of the 100 micrograms per cubic meter federal/state
                              38

-------
 standard.   Examination of concentrations in nearby
 urban/industrial  areas indicated that the standard was not
 exceeded and concentrations dropped to similar low levels in the
 transitions from urban to rural  land use.  It was also determined
 that statistics for other pollutants measured at the mine site,
 e.g.,  sulfur dioxide,  satisfied  annual EPA guideline criteria
 (EPA,  1978A) for  a remote source with a reasonable margin.  All
 facts  considered,  the  annual  guideline value for nitrogen dioxide
 background (20 micrograms per cubic meter) was determined as a
 conservative baseline  assumption for this pollutant.

 Impact

 Total  Suspended Particulate - Long-Term Effects - Annual  effects
 of  just  the proposed source were determined using the AQDM
 computer code.  The maximum effect, 1.2 micrograms per cubic
 meter,  occurs  well  within the confines of the mine.   The  highest
 property boundary effect, 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter, occurs
 on  the west boundary.   Annual effect at Keentown and  the  Duette
 area are indiseernable for practical purposes.

 Annual  effect  of  increment consuming sources are displayed in
 Figure 4.2-3.   Annual  concentration at the point of  maximum
 effect  was estimated to be 1.4 micrograms per cubic meter or
 about  8% of the allowable PSD increment.  Estimated  property
 boundary effects  ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 micrograms per cubic
 meter.

 Projected  annual  1982  effect  of  all stationary sources were added
 to  the  annual  TSP background  of  25  micrograms per cubic meter
 to  test  conformance of the completed facility with air quality
 standards.   The results are displayed in Figure 4.2-4. The
 estimated  annual mean  at  all  points of maximum effect were
 estimated  to be less than 50% of  the federal  primary  and  state
 standards  of 75 and 60 micrograms per cubic meter,  respectively.

 Total  Suspended Particulates  - Short-Term Effects -  Short-term
 effects  are the result of  an  exhaustive analysis  of  various
 proposed source/interactive source  group combinations for
 meteorological  conditions  producing highest,  second highest
 pollutant  concentrations.   Meteorological  conditions  were the
 result of  5 years of CRSTER analysis  for  source receptor
 distances maximizing upwind source  effect  and proposed source
 effect both at  downwind locations on  the  property boundary and
 at  locations of maximum effect irrespective of  property
 boundaries.  Computer  simulation was  performed  with the PTMTP-W
 computer codes.

 Effect of  the  proposed source  alone were  determined as follows.
 The  24-hour average at  the  point of maximum effect was  projected
 to  be  12.8  micrograms  per  cubic meter  and  the worst case  property
 boundary concentration  was  8.1 micrograms per  cubic meter.   The
maximum  point  is well  within  the property boundaries  and  very
 close to the source cluster.   Short-term effect of the  proposed
 source at Keentown was  estimated to  be  4.7 micrograms  per  cubic
meter.
                               39

-------
 - 3056
 -3054
 -3052
-3050
           4
- 3048      •  -f-  3
       0.6 yg/m  kt
    PPTY. BOUNDARY^
        ..  4
 3046
         4
- 3044
                            0.4 yg/m
                            * KEENTOWN
                           PPTY. BOUNDARY
                              0.6  yg/m3
                               0.4 yg/m"
                               PPTY.  BOUNDARY
                                                         -l-
                                                               4
                                                               4
                                                      4      4
                                                  r       3
                                                   0.7 yg/m
                                                   PPTY^ BOUNDARY
                                                        TO MYAKKA HEAD

                                                               4
                                                                     4
                                                                     4-
FIGURE   4-2-3
LONG  TERM (ANNUAL) EFFECTS OF
INCREMENT CONSUMING  SOURCE
PARTI CULATE   EMISSIONS
SOURCE    CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS  INC.
                                                   U.S.   EPA  - REGION  IV
                                                   DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
                                                   IMPACT   STATEMENT   FOR
                                                   SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
                                                   CORPORATION
                                                   PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
                                                   MANATEE  COUNTY   ,  FLORIDA

-------
 - 3056
 -3054
-3052
-3050
-3048
 3046
- 3044
                                    26.3 yg/m
                                    DUETTE
                                    4     4-
                                                    PPTY. BOUNDARY
                                                    26.3 yg/m
      26:4 yg/m
  PPTY.  BOUNDARY
          4-
                                                                     4-
                                                                     4-
                                                                    4-
                                                                    4-
                               PPTY. BOUNDARY
 FIGURE    4-2-4

 PROJECTED   LONG TERM (ANNUAL)
 EFFECTS  OF ALL  STATIONARY  SOURCE
 (ARTICULATE   EMISSIONS

 SOURCE   CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS   INC.
                                                  U.S.  EPA -  REGION  IV

                                                  DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
                                                  IMPACT    STATEMENT   FOR

                                                  SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
                                                  CORPORATION

                                                  PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
                                                  MANATEE  COUNTY  ,  FLORIDA

-------
 Effect  of  increment  consuming  sources  is  displayed  in  Figure
 4.2-5.  Maximum  increment  consumption  was  estimated  to  be  12.8
 micrograms  per cubic meter  or  about  35% of  the  allowable PSD*
 increment  of  37 micrograms  per  cubic meter.   Increment
 consumption at the worst case  property boundary was  projected
 to be 8.1 micrograms per cubic meter.

 Projected  24-hour effect of all  sources was added to the short-
 term background of 55 micrograms per cubic meter as a means of
 determining conformance with ambient standards.  The results are
 displayed  in Figure 4.2-6.  The  estimated concentration at the
 point of maximum effect was 69.3 micrograms per cubic meter.
 It is recognized that the utility of this estimation is highly
 dependent on the estimate of background concentration.   However,
 consideration of  available facts would suggest  that maximum 24-'
 hour concentrations should generally be less than two-thirds of
 the lower of the  federal primary and state standards of 260 and
 150 micrograms per cubic meter,  respectively.

 Sulfur  Dioxide Effects  - Estimates  of sulfur dioxide impact from
 the proposed source were determined from AQDM and CRSTER analysis
 for other pollutants,  where possible, since the emission rates
 indicated that a  screening level of analysis would insure
 conformance with  standards.   Annual  average concentration at  both
 the point of maximum effect and at  the  worst property boundary
 location were  projected  to  be  less  than 1  microgram per cubic
 meter.   The 24-hour  concentration at  the worst  property line
 location was estimated  to  be 2.3 micrograms  per  cubic meter.

 Property boundary values are below  the  PSD levels  of  significance
 of 1  and 5  micrograms per  cubic meter,  annual  and  24-hour
 respectively.   Results of  this  analysis combined with the  low
 baseline level  suggest that  exceedance  of  the  PSD  and NAAQS would
 not  be possible without  other major  source  development  in  the
 inrmediate area  of  the proposed mine.

 Nitrogen Dioxide  - Estimates of  nitrogen dioxide impact  from the
 Proposed Source were  determined  using the AQDM computer  code to
 test conformance with both  the  annual PSD  level  of significance
 and the  annual  NAAQS  standards.   Where  applicable, non-stationary
 source emissions were approximated by an area source  situated
 along the property boundary where stationary sources would
 produce  the worst property boundary effect.  The worst  property
 boundary effect of the combined  stationary and non-stationary
 sources was computed to  be  less  than  1 microgram per cubic
meter.   The worst  property boundary effect is less than  the PSD
 level of significance of 1 microgram per cubic meter.  Results
of  this   analysis combined with the baseline value suggest that
exceedance of the  NAAQS would not be possible without other major
source development in the irrmediate area of the  proposed mine.

Efleet on Soils and Vegetation - While some of  the substances
emitted  are  known  to interact with soils and vegetation, ambient
concentrations  suggested  that gaseous fluoride  might be  the only
pollutant with  potential  for serious toxic effect.   Trace
quantities of gaseous  fluoride  are expected from the proposed
facility, but it has  been reported in  another study that
                               42

-------
                                                                     T	P
 - 3056
,
  30S4

  3052
 •3050

 3048
- 3046
           -t
                              .7  yg/m
                            Jf KEENTOWN
                                                  8.1 y g/m
                                                  j£ I  PPTY. BOUNDARY
                                                                                 ,
                 L	.	1	    I      I
  FIGURE    4-2-5
  SHORT TERM (24HOUR)  EFFECTS  OF
  PROPOSED   SOURCE  PARTICULATE
  EMISSIONS
  SOURCE   CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS INC.
U.S.   EPA  -  REGION  IV
DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT   AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE  MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY  , FLORIDA
                                        43

-------
                               jjjd     MAL-fL.J
                          . » V . _ JJ^/ ,.l
                           2ND MAX. PT  ,
                         _          L_
                           61.3 yg/m
                           PPTY. BOUNDARY
FIGURE    4-2-6
PROJECTED  SHORT  TERM (24 HOUR)
bFFECTS  OF ALL  STATIONARY  SOURCE
PARTICULATE    EMISSIONS
SOURCE   CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS  INC.
 U.S.  EPA - REGION  IV
 DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
 IMPACT    STATEMENT  FOR
 SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL  CHEMICALS
 CORPORATION
 PROPOSED   DUETTE  MINE
JdANATEE  COUNTY  , FLORIDA

-------
  emissions  several  hundred times greater than anticipated have
  had  virtually undetecable effect on sensitive vegetation types
  near  to the source (EPA,  1978).

  Effect  on  Visibility  -   Visibility effects which are regional
  in  nature,  e.g.,  produced by photochemical smog, condensation
  nuclei,  etc.,  will  be affected by the  proposed source in
  proportion  to the  magnitude  of all other  sources,  natural  and
  anthropogenic,  which  contribute the same  substances  and/or
  physical pollutant  forms.

  The dryer  stack will  have  a  water vapor plume that will  be
  most  visible  and persistent  during periods of  high humidity  and
  cool  temperatures,  however,  the landscape  is  not viewed  as
  characteristically  scenic  and  the presence of  a  vapor  plume
  should  not  particularly affect  aesthetic values.  Stack  heights
  have  been adjusted  to lowest reasonable levels to reduce this
  effect  to the  greatest possible degree.

  The mining  operations will occasionally function near  roadways
  and high winds may  occasionally entrain and carry dust from
  working areas  across  roadways.  While  the  occurrance should  be
  infrequent, the effects would  be  characteristically  similar  to
  those presently produced by agricultural interests,   e.g., plowing
  and cultivating, in this area.                                  5

  Secondary Growth Effects - Historical  patterns and projected  land
  use suggest that significant  population growth and corrmercial
  activities  will not accompany development   of the proposed
  activity.    Increased energy utilization is  an industrial  growth
 component  for  which impact has  been already examined  in
 considerable detail by regulatory interests.

 Mitigating  Measures

 The major  pollutant sources associated  with the proposed  activity
 are  two  phosphate  rock dryers and the storage,  material handling,
 and  shipping facilities.   Left  uncontrolled,  these operations
 would  produce  a noticeable  adverse effect  in a large  area
 surrounding  the proposed mining activity.   An  investigation  of
 alternate high efficiency  control  systems  indicated wet scrubber
 technology  offered  equivalent or better environmental benefit
 along  with greatest  economy and reliability, and  lowest energy
 consumption.                                                57

 The phosphate  rock  dryer control systems are designed to  achieve
 as great as  99.8% removal of  particulate matter (dusts),  and
 ^n'^c/T^1  °f the SUlfUr dioxide  and an  estimated  minimum  of
 10-20% of the  nitrogen dioxides  generated in the  combustion of
 fuel oil  (which  is necessary  to  dry  the rock).  Use of  fuel oil
 containing no greater  than  1.0% sulfur  and  0.3% nitrogen will
 further reduce greater potential  emissions  which might  otherwise
be released  by the proposed source.  The storage  and  shippfn£
facilities and associated materials handling systems  will  be
equipped  with fugitive dust collection  systems and control
devices capable of 99.7-99 . 8% particulate matter  removal
efficiency.   The proposed systems will function to remove  a major
                               45

-------
  quantity of  particulate matter  sizes  that  have  the  property  to
  remain airborne  for  extended periods  and could  otherwise  travel
  considerable distance  from  the  point  of  release.


  4.3  NOISE

  Baseline

  A baseline noise  survey was performed to determine  existing  sound
  levels at the site of  the proposed Swift Duette Mine.  Noise
 measurements were performed at  seven  existing receptors,
  including six peripheral sites  and one site in an outparcel
  totally enclosed within the proposed mine site boundaries.  The
  seven sites were zoned special  exception land uses and included
  residences, a church, and school.

 A minimum of two measurements  was performed at each site to
 determine exceedance levels (Lx) and equivalent  sound levels
  (Leq) and to estimate the day-night sound level  (Ldn), L33.3,
 L4.16,  and  L2.08.  Measured and estimated noise  levels were then
 compared  with applicable federal standards.

 The  U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency (EPA) has established
 an Ldn  of  55 dBA as  a minimum  requisite  to  protect public health
 and  welfare with an  adequate margin of safety (EPA,  1974).  All
 computed  Ldn estimates  for  the  monitored sites were  at least  3
 dBA  below the established guideline and  the average  Ldn was 48
 dBA,  7dBA below  the  guideline.

 The  U.S.  Department  of  Housing  and Urban Development (HUD) has
 developed minimum noise standards for  new construction sites
 (HUD,  1971).   The standards  are divided  into  three general
 groupings of  noise exposure: acceptable,  discretionary and
 unacceptable.  Discretionary exposures may  be  subdivided  into
 the  categories of  normally  acceptable  and normally unacceptable.
 All measurements  were within the "acceptable"  or  "normally
 acceptable"  categories.

 The Federal Highway Administration  (FHWA) has  specified  in  FHPM
 7-7-3 (FHWA,  1974) standard  design  noise  levels  for  five  activity
 Categories  (labeled A through E).   The residences, school,  and
 church selected as noise monitoring sites are  all  included  in
 activity Category  B.  The design  noise levels  for  activity
 Category B are 67  dBA and 70 dBA for Leq and Ldn respectively.
Measured Leq values were all at  least  17 dBA within  the FHWA
Category B standard with an average measured Leq of  43 dBA  24
 dBA within the standard.  The highest  estimated Ldn was 52  dBA
 18 dBA within the Category B standard  and the  average Ldn was
 22 dBA within the standard.

 Impact

Source Measurement

The initial  phase of  the noise  quality impact projection entailed
tield measurement of  equivalent  sound levels (Leq) and sound
                                46

-------
 exceedance levels  (L10,  L50,  etc.)  at  existing facilities
 representative of  the  proposed facility.   Noise sources
 investigated included  the dragline  and sluice pit,  washer and
 flotation facility,  dryer and bulk  loading facility,  switch yard,
 and land reclamation activities.   Source  directivity,  pure tones,
 and background sound levels were  evaluated in the monitoring
 p r o g r am.

 Sound  pressure levels  as a function of distance were  derived for
 each source  from typical existing source  measurements  assuming
 unobstructed sound transmission (i.e., free field conditions).
 The noise level  contribution  of roadway traffic,  both  mine and
 non-mine related was estimated for  the first  year of mine
 operation (1982) in  accordance with the Federal  Highway
 Administration methods (Gordon, et  al.,  1971) and Transportation
 Noise  (Nelson  and  Wolsko,  1973).  Railroad noise  levels  were
 based  on EPA's locomotive and rail  car noise  emission  standards
 in  40  CFR 201.13.

 Impact Analysis

 The current  EPA  guidelines  (EPA,  1974) establish  annual  average
 sound  level  values - an  annual  exterior Ldn = 55  dBA and an
 annual  interior  Ldn  =  45 dBA.   Twenty-four hour  average  sound
 levels  were  estimated  and the results  evaluated  in  consideration
 of  annual  variation  and  mitigative  effects of attenuation
 contributed  by ground  cover (Beranek,  1971).

 Cumulative noise levels  in  the vicinity of the  property  boundary
 were conservatively  estimated by  a  series  of  peak 24-hour Ldn
 contours  based on  free field  conditions to serve  as a  screening
 criterion  to  identify  potential problem receptors.  The  screening
 indicates  that outdoor noise  levels  at six receptors near the
 site would fall  within the annual Ldn  = 55 contour  (Figure 4.3.-
 1 / •

 Noise  levels adjusted  for  ground  and terrain  attenuation exceed
 the  annual Ldn = 55  criterion  at  only  one  sensitive receptor  -
 the Dry Prairie  Baptist  Church, Site 1 - where  a  maximum 24-hour
 Ldn  of  59 dBA  is predicted.   Because of the continued movement
 of  the mining  activity,  the yearly  average Ldn would expectedly
 be  lower  than  the maximum 24-hour value.

 Among  the sources  impacting the church, the non-mine related
 traffic  alone  on S.R.  62  in 1982  is expected  to generate  a 24-
 hour Ldn of  57 dBA at  the church  site.  Hence,  the non-mine
 traffic  is the largest single  contributor  to  the  total Ldn  at
 the church, and  by itself exceeds EPA's outdoor criterion of  55
 dBA.

 EPA specifies  a  yearly average  24-hour equivalent sound  level
 (Leq) of 45 dBA as requisite  to avoid  interference with  indoor
 activities in educational installations (EPA,  1974). The  same
 criterion may  reasonably be applied to churches as well.
Computations  indicate  a maximum Leq of 44  dB  could be expected
 inside the affected  church and  thereby satisfy the EPA's   45 dB
 cr i ter i on.
                              47

-------
                                                                         H] Dragline A
                                                                            Dragline B
                                                                         |:||ij Unmined-Disturb
                                                                         |  |Unmined-Undisturb
                                                                      led at Property Lint
                                                                              >55
                                                                              55
FIGURE:  4.3-1
        ESTIMATED     DAY-NIGHT    AVERAGE
         SOUND    LEVEL   (Ldn)  CONTOURS
     AT   DUETTE    MINE   DURING    OPERATION
SOURCE :   CONSERVATION    CONSULTANTS  ,  INC.
U.S.  EPA  - REGION  IV
DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT  A6RICULTUR&-I '
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE  MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY ,  FLORIDA

-------
estimated peak houriy Leq values at the church were found to
be within Federal Highway Administration criteria for exterior
and interior noise levels.

Further comparison of peak hourly Leq values with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development L4.25 and L33.3
maximum criteria indicates that both of these criteria would also
be sat i sf i ed.

Based  on the noise monitoring program, there are no significant
noises associated with mine-related activities that could be
considered  intrusive because of spectral content or
i ntermi ttency.

Mitigating Measures

The noise impact assessment demonstrated that none of the
sensitive receptors  near  the proposed mine will be exposed  to
noise  levels which will  interfere with activity or result in
hearing impairment.  Therefore, no mitigative measures will be
necessary to protect health and welfare.

Health and  safety measures taken by Swift  to protect on-site
personnel will comply with the  requirements of 29 CFR 1910
 (Occupational Health and  Safety Act of 1970 and 30 CFR 70 and
71  (Federal Mine Safety  Act).


4. it-  TOPOGRAPHY

Baseline

Manatee County  is  located in the southwestern  section of  the
Florida Peninsula with elevations  ranging  from sea level  along
 the Gulf  of Mexico and adjacent embayments  to  about  HO  ft.
 (MSL)  in  the northeast corner  of the  county.   The  land  surface
 rises  monotonously inland from  the  coast and  is moderately  flat
with  some relief provided by shallow  stream and  river valleys
 and  low  sandy formations  corresponding to  ancient  sea level
 ter races .

The  proposed mine  site  is very  flat with ground  elevations
 ranging  from about  125 ft.  (MSL) in  the  north  to  90  ft.  (MSL)
 in the south.   The  topography  is largely a result  of  stream
 dissection  on a  roughly  level marine  terrace  and  scattered  small
 surface  depressions  which represent  dolines.   Figure  4.4-1
 presents  a  topographical  mapping of  the  site.   Streams  and
 drainage  basins  are  described  in Section 4.9,  Surface Water
Hydrology.

 Impact

Mining will  significantly alter the site's topography  on the
 short-terrn  through  surface strip mining  and waste  clay  disposal
 activities.   Short  term  effects are primarily  the  strip mine  land
 form of  parallel  spoil  piles protruding  from mined pits  and dikes
 and  dams  used  for  waste  containment/1 and  reclamation.
                               49

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                                                                          :a >/ Xf^
                                                               r-i-r.-V^Ai;    r
                      R.2IE.  N.22E.
FIGURE I  4.4-1

                EXISTING      TOPOGRAPHY

SOURCE :   ARDAMAM   8  ASSOCIATES ,  INC.
U.S. EPA  -  REGION  IV
DRAFT  .ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL  CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE  MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY  , FLORIDA

-------
The long-term,  net effects on topography are directly reflected
in the land forms resultant from reclamation activities which
largely return  the site to near pre-mining characteristics of
elevation and relief.  Sand-clay landfill (5,426 acres) areas
are expected to be near original elevation and have a very
slightly rolling topography with a very low gradient largely
toward the retained, natural watercourses or created lakes.
Tailings landfill will  occur on approximately 848 acres and will
result in an essentially flat terrain at an elevation slightly
higher than sand-clay fill areas.  Tailing landfill is largely
planned for mined areas that correspond to the major, natural
drainage divides to  re-establish pre-mining watershed acreages.

Reclamation of  the clay settling area (480 acres),  the creation
of lakes during reclamation (474 acres) and the planned
abandonment of  approximately 100 acres without substantial
reclamation will create relief and elevation not currently found
on-site.  The final  land form of the clay settling  area will
essentially be  a plateau approximately 15 feet above the
surrounding essentially flat terrain.  The five lakes created
during reclamation leave a land form not currently  found on-
site.  A significant after mining deviation from any natural  land
forms found in  the area will be an approximtely 100 acre area
that will remain essentially un-reel aimed.  This area, termed
"wilderness" by the  applicant, will result in permanent, parallel
rows of steeply sloped island chains in  the northernmost created
lake.

Approximately 2,811  acres will  not be mined or the  existing
topography disturbed in any fashion.

Mitigating Measures

Mitigating measures  for topographical impacts are  limited  to  the
reclamation program  which must  be considered as part of the
mining plan.  On-going land reclamation will  limit  the number
of acres that will be  totally disrupted  at any given time  to
about 700-800 acres.


4.5  SOILS

Baseline

The  surface soils  that occur on  the proposed Duette mine  tract
are  predominantly  sandy in  texture.  Approximately  80% of  the
on-site soils are  classified as  poorly drainged.   Included in
this classification  are the alluvial soils associated with
watercourses, the  freshwater swamp soils, and the  soils
associated with the  shallow ponds on site.  The majority of  the
poorly drained  soils,  however,  belong to  the Leon  and  Immokalee
series in which drainage  is somewhat restricted by  the occurrence
of an organic hardpan  at  a  depth of  12"  to  42".  The remaining
20%  of the surface  soils  are well-drained due to their occurrence
in slightly more  upland areas and the absence of an organic
hardpan (Ardaman  and Associates, 1975).
                              51

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 The  sandy  texture  gives  the  surface  soils  relatively  high
 permeability  (except  for  the  hardpan  layers)  and  low  shrink-swel1
 potentials.   The high permeability,  relative  scarcity of silt
 and  clay particles, and  very  gradual  slopes combine to give  the
 soils  low  erosion  potential.

 In  their natural state,  the  poorly drained  soils  on site have
 moderately high to  high  runoff  potentials.  When  adequate
 drainage is provided,  these  soils are  characterized by high
 infiltration  rates  and  low runoff potentials.   The well-drained
 soils  on site  have  low  runoff  potentials  in their natural  state.

 Except  for the  soils  associated with  the wetland  areas,
 limitations for construction  of  low  buildings  are minor  and
 relatively easily overcome.   Limitations on use of the surface
 soils  for  construction  of homogeneous  pond embankments are
 considered severe.  The  soils  can, however, be  used in certain
 sections of embankment  construction  provided  a  core of less
 permeable material  is provided  (Ardaman and Associates,  1975).

 From the edapho1ogical  standpoint, the on-site  soils  may be
 broadly categorized as  acid  sands with low natural fertility
 (Zellars-Wi11i ams,  Inc.,  1977).  The  soils associated with
 wetland areas  have  somewhat  higher natural fertility;  however,
 they have  generally not  been  developed for agriculture due to
 the  difficulty of draining them.  The excessively drained Pomello
 and  St. Lucie  soils are  generally considered  too  droughty for
 intensive  agricultural  use.   The Leon, Irrmokalee, Rutlege, and
 Ona  soils  are  the soils  of greatest  agricultural  importance  on
 the  site.  Though low in  fertility and poorly  drained in their
 natural state, agricultural  improvements can  and  in some cases
 have been made on these  soils  through proper  drainage,
 irrigation, liming, and  fertilization practices.  The sandy
 texture and relatively  low organic matter contents of  the surface
 horizons give  these soils low moisture and nutrient retention
 capacities.  Consequently, relatively high levels of  irrigation
 and  fertilization inputs  are  required to maintain their
 productivity.  On the other hand, the sandy texture gives the
 soils  good tillage  and aeration properties provideing drainage
 is adequate.

 Impact

 The  proposed mining operation will disturb the  existing  soils
 on 7,583 acres or approximately three-fourths of the  site (Swift
 Agricultural Chemicals Corporation,  1978).  Strip mining will
 totally alter the nature of the existing soils  on approximately
 6,624 acres.  The existing soil profiles in mining areas will
 be destroyed and in general  the surface horizons will   be buried
 under  layers of either subsurface overburden or waste  materials.
Disposal of either  clay wastes or a mixture of  sand and clay will
 effectively bury the  existing surface soils on  an additional 680
 acres of land.  Alterations in 279 acres  of the existing soils
 as a result of construction of the beneficiation plant and
 support facilities  such as the entrance railroad,  mine access
 roads,  powerline corridors,  and pipeline corridors will be less
 severe  since the soil  profiles will  not be destroyed.
                                 52

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 Waste  disposal  and  physical  reclamation  techniques  will  result
 in  the following  three  new types  of  surface  soils on  the site
 (Swift Agricultural  Chemicals  Corporation,  1978):

            Soil Type                           Acreage

       Clay                                       480
       Sand-clay                                  5,426
       Overburden  (over  sand  tailings  fill)        848

                        Total                     6,754*

     *The  remaining  829 acres  consist  of  disturbed  native soils
       and  land  and  lake areas,  the  land  portions of which will
       be composed of overburden material.

 Each of the  new reclaimed  soil  types  has  distinct agricultural
 and engineering properties  that relate to  post-reclamation land
 use potenti al.

 Due to its fine texture and  content  of apatite,  dolomite,  and
 feldspar,  the clay  soil  of  the  reclaimed  settling area can be
 expected to  have  excellent  natural  fertility,  high moisture
 holding capactiy, and good  nutrient  retention  properties.
 However, due  to the  predominance  of  clay  and  the initial  absence
 of  soils organic matter, this  soil will  have  poor structure, and,
 therefore,  poor tillage and  aeration  characteristics.  Because
 of  the prolonged  subsidence  that  occurs  as the  clay dewaters,
 building limitations on this soil must be  considered  severe.
 The clay soil should have moderately  high  to  high runoff
 potent i al.

 Assuming that a homogeneous mixture  of sand and  clay  is  achieved
 in  the ratio  2.5  to  1,  the  sand-clay  soil  planned for  5,426 acres
 of  rclaimed  land will fall  into a sandy  loam  classification.
 Analytical  results  (Zellars-Williams,  1977) indicate  that  the
 soil should  have  good inherent  fertility as would be  expected
 from its high content of phosphatic  clay.  The  clay content
 should also  impart good moisture  and  nutrient  retention
 properties  to the soil.  Initially,  the  soil will probably have
 poor structure due to the absence of  soil  organic mater.   Tillage
 and aeration characteristics should,  however,  be significantly
 better  than  the clay alone due  to the  relatively high  content
 of sand in  the so i1.

 Sand-clay  soils are  expected to undergo a  period of prolonged
 subsidence as the clay  dewaters;  therefore building limitations
 on these soils must  be  considered severe.  The  runoff  potential
 of these soils should range from moderately high to high.

Overburden typically varies  in  composition depending  both  on
 natural variability  and on which  strata end up at the  surface.
Overburden soils on  the reclaimed tract can be expected  to
 reflect this variability.  However, in general, overburden soils
 tend to be fairly high  in clay  and phosphorus content.  As  a
 consequence, they can be expected to have fair natural fertility,
moisture holding capacity,  and  nutrient retention properties,
                              53

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 though  not  so good as  the clay and sand-clay soils.   Soil
 structure will  be  poor  initially,  but  due  to the  relatively high
 content  of  sand,  tillage and  aeration  properties  should be fairly
 good.   These  properties  can be expected  to  improve  as  soil
 organic  matter  builds  up.  Overburden  soils  should  generally have
 acceptable  structural  stability for  building purposes.   The
 runoff  potential  of  these soils will vary  from moderat ely  low
 to moderately high depending  on the  silt and clay content  of  the
 overburden  soil  in question.

 Mitigating  Measures

 The  efforts to  provide  for productive  reclaimed soils  are  the
 primary  mitigative measures available  to compensate  for  the loss
 of  the existing  soils.   Even  with  these  efforts,  the  short-term
 loss of  soils  from agricultural  use, the initial absence of
 oranic matter,  i.e.  humus in all  reclaimed  soils,  and  the
 decreased bearing  capacity of  clay and sand/clay soils  relative
 to  the natural  soils must  be  regarded  as unavoidable adverse
 impacts  of  the  proposed  operation.

 The  primary mitigative measure  to  compensate for the short-term
 soil loss from  agricultural use  is to  proceed with  reclamation
 as  rapidly  as  possible.   The  reclamation plan  for the proposed
 development calls  for sand/clay mix  to be the  primary physical
 restoration technique.   Since  this type of landfill can  be
 expected to consolidate much more  rapidly than clay alone,
 reclamation can  proceed more  rapidly than with conventional  clay
 settling areas.

Measures available to encourage  the  development of  soil  organic
matter in reclaimed  soils include  the  rapid  establishment  of  a
 vigorous vegetative  cover.  Except for a 100-acre area designated
 for  natural revegetation, the  reclamation plan provides for
 revegetation  of  all  reclaimed  soils  as soon  as physical  stability
 permits  and grading  to approved  slopes is complete.   Forage
 plantings will account for the majority of the revegetation
effort.  Pasture sods,  especially  those including legumes,  are
widely acknowledged  to be one of the best known ways of
 encouraging soil organic matter  accumulation  (Buckman and  Brady,
 1969).

The decreased bearing capacity of  clay and sand/clay soils
relative to the natural soils  will  not  hinder agriculural  use
of these areas, but may limit  other future land use options for
the site.   Since long-range plans call  for  this part of Manatee
County to remain rural  in nature,  this  limitation may not  be a
serious adverse impact.  However, should land use plans for the
area change, future developers may find it  necessary to stabilize
foundations  with pilings or utilize other measures  that increase
the cost of  development.
                              54

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 *.6   GEOLOGY

 Baseli ne

 The Swift  Duette site is  located within the southwestern portion
 of  the Polk Upland  physiographic province which lies  between the
 Ocala  Arch to the north and the DeSoto Plain province to the
 south  (Cathcart,  1963).   The site locality is  characterized by
 a low  topographic relief;  therefore,  the drainage within the site
 is  relative poor,  except  near  entrenched portions of  the East
 Fork and North Fork Manatee River.   The topographic surface is
 marked  by  circular  depressions  of various sizes and depths  which
 represent  dolines  at different  stages  of formation (Ardaman and
 Associates,  1975).   Limestone  does  not occur near the surface
 and sinkholes are  not know to  occur  in the area.

 The site does not  contain  significant  surficial  structural
 features.   It is  characterized  by formations of Tertiary and
 Quaternary ages  gently  dipping  to the  south or  southwest  at  a  few
 feet per mile.   Surficial  deposits  vary in thickness  from 20 to
 60  feet  and  are  predominately  composed of fine  to medium grained
 sands with interbedded  and dispersed clays.  At a depth  varying
 betwen  2 and 7 feet  below  land  surface,  a fine  grained  iron-
 cemented sand is  corrmonly  found which  hydraulical1y acts  as  a
 semi-confining unit  separating  two  layers of relatively  uniform
 sands.   In general,  this  semi-confining unit (locally termed
 hardpan) is  found  throughout the property but  has  been noted to
 be  absent  or  thin at  several locations.   Its thickness varies
 from about 2 to  22  feet.   Below the hardpan,  sands  and
 interbedded  clays are found  in  thicknesses between  10 and 25
 feet.   Below the  surficial materials is  the phosphate matrix,
 a clayey phosphatic  sand.   Below the sand unit  is  an  interbedded
 sequence of  calcitic  dolomite,  dolomite  limestone  and sand/silty
 clay 250 to  300  feet  thick.  These materials represent the
 Hawthorn and  Tampa  formations.   The lower  portion  of  the  Hawthorn
 Formation  acts as a  permeability barrier  between  the  shallow
 aquifer  and  the  deeper Floridan  Aquifer.   Below the Hawthorn are
more competent rocks  of the  Tampa, Suwannee, Ocala, Avon  Park,
 and Lake City  1ithostratigraph!c  units  cited in  order of
 increasing depth and  age.

 The mining section generally occurs within 50  to  100  feet of the
 surface  and  for description  purposes can  be  subdivided into
 overburden,  ore zones, and bedrock phases.

The overburden is of  Pleistocene  or Pliocene age and  includes
all  the material from the  surface to the  top of  the ore zone and
 ranges  from  20 to 50  feet  thick.  Surface  soils grade quickly
 into brown  and gray  loose  clean  fine sands  5 to  15  feet thick
and cover  the entire mine  site.  Where the  hardpan  is near the
surface, it can offer a resistance to digging, hamper root
penetration and downward movement of the water.

The ore  zone ranges from 30 to 60 feet  thick and averages M
feet.  It  is composed of friable sands, clayey sands,  sandy  clay
and  clays of Miocene age containing sufficient phosphate
concentrations to constitute its classification as an ore
                                55

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  (Zellars-Wil1iams,  Inc.,  1977).  This unit  is assigned to the
  upper part of the Hawthorn Formation.  With increasing depth
  there is a gradational  increase in clay and carbonate content.
  The  ore is sandier  in texture than that typical for the Bone
  Valley ore of the Central District.  The phosphate concentration
  and  quality  is variable both horizontally and vertically and this
  creates a geometrically irregular ore zone.

  The  bedrock  represents the base of the mineable zone within the
 Hawthorn Formation and is generally recognized by dense and
 massive dolomitic limestones, often clayey, phosphatic and
  fossi1 iferous.  The contact with the ore zone is often
  gradational.   These lower formations are not amenable to ore
  processing as practiced on the more friable overlying materials,
 and generally contain smaller concentrations of lower grade
 phosphate.   The sequence with depth contains dense clayey units
 that form an  effective aquiclude.

  Impact

 In mineable areas,  the upper  formation will  be excavated to an
 average  depth of  50 feet and  a maximum depth of 100 feet.   During
 strip mining  the  overburden section of sands,  clays,  and hardpan
 will be  displaced to spoil windrows within  the mining pit,  and
 the underlying phosphatic ore will  be completely removed  down
 to the  "bedrock"  layer.   These excavated areas will  subsequently
 be either  backfilled with sand and  clay  process  wastes  or  left
 as  water-filled areas  as  described  in the  reclamation  plan.  Thus
 strip mining  results in  complete  restructuring of  the  lithologic
 character  and sequences  within  the  mined area.   Formations  below
 the mining  section  will  remain undisturbed.

 Mitigating Measures

 Surface mining will  cause  a change  in surficial  soils  and  the
 upper bed sequences  that  comprise the mining section  on  site.
 There is no definable  impact  on the  overall  geologic  system.
 Geological  impact,  other  than  those  addressed  under more  specific
 titles,  i.e.,  topography,  soils, hydrology,  etc., would  then be
 limited, and  only unusual  distinctive  geologic  features presently
 existing would require investigation.  No features of  such
 ranking are known to occur.


 4.7   GROUND-WATER HYDROLOGY

 Baseli ne

 The primary source of ground water in Manatee County and at the
 proposed project site is rainfall  which infiltrates into the
 ground-water system.  The movement of water  through the ground-
water system is controlled by the hydrologic and geologic
 properties of   the  two primary aquifers occurring in the area.
The shallow or surficial  aquifer consists of a series of sands
and clays.   The deep ground-water  system consists of a sequence
of confining materials and an  underlying thick sequence of
carbonate rocks.
                               56

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 Shallow Ground Water - Shallow ground water at the proposed mine
 s i te Ts contai ned Trf the upper,  or surficial  materials and is
 found under both water table and artesian conditions.

 The hydrologic properties  of the surficial  aquifer have been
 determined by pump testing and slug,  or sensitivity,  testing.
 Values  of  transmissivity vary over the property and average
 13,000  gpd£ft.  Permeability values in general are about 225 to
 300 gpd/ft .   The similarity of  water levels  in wells screened
 above or below the hardpan layer,  indicates the hardpan does not
 act as  a significant  confining layer.  Permeability of the matrix
 has been shown to be  low in comparison to the overlying sands.

 The average annual precipitation in Manatee County is
 approximately 55 inches  per year (NOAA,  1977).  Based upon
 estimates  of  evapotranspiration, approximately 15 to  20 inches
 per year are  available for ground  water  recharge and  streamflow.
 Calculations  indicate between 1/2  and 5 inches per year are
 naturally  recharged  to the ground-water  system with stream flow
 from the property being  estimated  to  be about 13 inches per
 year .

 Water  levels  in twenty shallow wells, screened either in the
 sands above the hardpan  layer or those below,  vary depending both
 upon  location on the  property and  the seasonal effects.  During
 the wet  season,  water levels  are generally  at  or  near land
 surface  whereas during the dry season,  water  levels decline to
 about seven feet  below land surface.   Changes  in  water  levels
 in  the  surficial  aquifer are produced by  rainfall,
 evapotranspiration,  leakage into underlying geologic  formations
 and base flow drainage to  streams.  No water-level  response in
 the surficial  aquifer has  been observed as  a  result of  the 30
 to  40 feet  of change  seasonally  occurring in  the  deep ground-
 wa t e r s y s t em.

 Precipitation infiltrating the surficial  aquifer  will move both
 vertically  into  the underlying deep ground-water  system and
 laterally.  Vertical  flow  is  restricted by  the confining  units
 underlying  the matrix and  lateral  flow is  restricted  due  to  the
 low hydraulic gradients over  the proposed project  site.
 Calculations  show the lateral  flow  through  the surficial  aquifer
 provides a  base  flow  to streams  of  about  2 million  gallons  per
 day  (2.2 inches  per year).

 On  the mine property  itself,  no  shallow wells  were  found  which
 use the  surficial-aquifer  system as a  source of drinking-water
 supply.   One  property owner  located east  of the mine  uses  the
 surficial aquifer  for  irrigation water and  is  believed  to  utilize
 this source for drinking water also,  as no  deep well  exists  on
 this property.  Studies indicate that, with the exception  noted
 above, no wells utilizing  the shallow  system for  drinking-water
 supplies were known to exist  in  the project area  at the  time  of
 the inventory.

Deep Ground Water  - The deep  ground-water system  at the proposed
 project   site  consists of the  limestones and dolomites underlying
 the surficial  or water-table  aquifer and the phosphate matrix.
                               57

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 This system includes the productive portions of the Hawthorn
 Formation and the Tampa, Suwannee,  Ocala, Avon Park,  and Lake
 City Formations and is commonly referred to as the Floridan
 Aquifer.   Consistent beds of limestone and dolomite (carbonate
 rocks)  occur from a depth of approximately 400 feet to several
 thousands of feet.   Of these geological  units, the producing
 zones for potable supply are found, in order of increasing supply
 potential,  in the Hawthorn/Tampa,  Suwannee, and Avon  Park
 Formations.   The Lake City,  Ocala,  and portions of the
 Hawthorn/Tampa Formations act  as semi-confining units  retarding
 the vertical movements of water in  the deep ground-water system.

 The Lake  City Formation contains interstitial  as  well  as layered
 evaporites.   The inclusion of  the  evaporites in the carbonate
 rock sequence results  in an  extremely  low permeability of the
 Formation.   This unit  contains  highly  mineralized water due
 principally  to the  occurrence  of the  evaporites and also to the
 residual  presence of salt water associated with the deposition
 of  the  formation.   A high degree of hydraulic  separation of this
 unit from the overlying producing horizons has been determined
 by  testing at  the project site.

 Recharge  to  the deep ground-water system occurs primarily by
 infiltration of  rainfall  into  the surficial  aquifer and the
 subsequent leakage  downward  through the  confining beds overlying
 the Floridan Aquifer.   The  relationship  of  water  levels in  the
 surficial aquifer  and  the Floridan  Aquifer  throughout  the project
 area is such that  downward  leakage  occurs  continuously.
 Recharge  to  the  deep ground-water system is  not restricted  to
 the proposed project site but occurs over  a  large  portion of  the
 regi on.

 An  inventory of  deep wells within approximately two miles of  the
 proposed  project  site was made  to obtain  baseline  information
 on  existing  supplies and  use in  the area.   Some existing  wells
 on  the property  will continue to be utilized for  agricultural
 purposes  until  the  proposed mining  operations  are  initiated.
 Seven wells  were  constructed on  the property to specific  depth
 intervals and  numerous  pumping  tests were  run  in  order  to
 determine both  the  geologic and  hydrologic  character of  the  deep
 ground-water  system.

Aquifer testing  on  the  proposed  project site has  provided values
for  the transmissivities  and/or  confining characteristics of  the
main hydrologic  units.  Of significance is  the  high value of
 transmissivity of the Avon Park Formation, the  low  permeability
of   the underlying Lake City Formation, the hydraulic connection
of   the Avon  Park and Suwannee Formations across the semi-
confining beds of the Ocala Formation and the  low  leakance  value
across the Hawthorn/Tampa Formations.  Figure  4.7-1 indicates
the geologic  units underlying the property as  identified  through
test-well  drilling at the site  and  the relationship of   the
hydrologic characterisics of the units as determined from both
geologic and  pumping-test data.   Specific aquifer characteristics
for  the  various geologic units  are also shown  in Table  4.7-A.
                                58

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                                   GEOLOGIC LOG
                                    Li'hokigic Log
                        : QUARTZ SANO
                        3 CLAT/SILT
                        t LIMESTONE
                        I OOLOMITIC LIME
                        t DOLOMITE
                        I CALCITIC OOLOfc
SHALLOW, WATER TABLE AQUIFER
                                                VERY SMALL PRODUCING ZONES
                                               LAYERED WITH CONFINING BEDS
                                                      MODERATE
                                                    PRODUCING ZONE
                                                   LOW PERMEABILITY,
                                                  SEMI CONFINING BEDS
                                                     VERY LARGE
                                                    PRODUCING ZONE
                                                   LOW PERMEABILITY
                                                 VERY LOW PERMEABILITY,
                                                 FIRST SIGN OF EVAPORITES
FIGURE:  4.7-1
     SUBSURFACE     GEOLOGY
                   AND
   GROUND - WATER     SYSTEMS
SOURCE ! WILLIAM  F.  GUYTON   &   ASSOC.
   U.S.  EPA -  REGION    IV
   DRAFT    ENVIRONMENTAL
   IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR
   SWIFT    AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
   CORPORATION
   PROPOSED    DUETTE   MINE
   MANATEE   COUNTY  . FLORIDA

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Table 4.7-A  Aquifer Characteristics of the Producing  (Confining) Zones

	~~    Aqu i f er (Conf i ni ng-Bed )  Transmi ss i vi ty          Leakage-,
Formations ___Thickness (Feet)	(GPP/Ft.)    Storage  (GPP/Ft^)
Hawthorn/Tampa


Suwannee


Avon Park
300


200


500
                         0001 to
                         00001*
   25,000*
  175,000

1,000,000*
  770,000^
2,000,000
 .003


.003
                             2
Determined from test data.   Refined by use o.f digital modeling.
^Estimated by use of digital model results.   Estimated upper and
   Water-level elevations in the Floridan Aquifer at the proposed
   project site range from 30 to 40 feet above mean sea level at
   some times of the year to near mean sea level at other times.
   Generally, the direction of ground-water flow at the project area
   is westerly, towards the coastline.

   As seen in Figure 4.7-2,  the seasonal effects of irrigation in
   the area of the project site are reflected by variations  in the
   potentiometric level of the Floridan Aquifer on the order of 30
   feet.  During the 1ow water-1evel periods of the normally dry
   spring months, potentiometric levels in the Floridan Aquifer
   decline below sea level in a large area coastward of the  proposed
   proj ect site.

   Impact

   Effects of the proposed development of Swift's Duette Mine will
   be evidenced in both the shallow and deep ground-water systems.
   The effects will  result from the mining operations including;
   pit dewatering,  water-supply withdrawals and the proposed
   recharge and reclamation projects.  Dewatering of the surficial
   materials to facilitate mining will, to some extent,  impact the
   shallow ground-water system throughout most of the property at
   some  time during  the life of the mine.  As the active mining
   moves from a mined-out area, dewatering operations, other than
   those associated  with the recharge project, will cease and water
   levels in the surficial aquifer will begin to re-establish
   themselves to the previous conditions.

   The recharge and  reclamation projects will effect both the
   surficial  and deep ground-water systems.  Although the withdrawal
   of water for process requirements will effect the deep ground-
   water system,  very little effect will be noted in the shallow
   ground-water system.  Ground water from the deep system will be
   withdrawn in the  south-central  portion of  the mine property.
   Withdrawals will  be limited to those rates and locations  included
   in the consumptive-use permit (No.  27703739) granted by the
   Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)  in
                                 60

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1, 1,

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1
Ink!

hi.



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I
         JAN    FEB.
                                                    AUG    SEPT.    OCT
                                                                                                   1	i l.i I itIJLi  it I,,   I
                                                                                               MAR     APR
FIGURE :  4.7-2
                        LONG   TERM    WATER   LEVELS
                                         OF
                       INDIVIDUAL    PRODUCING   ZONES
SOURCE : WILLIAM   F.  GUYTON   8   ASSOCIATES
                                        61
    US.  EPA - REBION  IV
    DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL
    IMPACT  STATEMENT  FOR
	SWJEJ	ASBI-CJJLTUflAL   CHEMICALS
    CORPORATION
    PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
    MANATEE  COUNTY  , FLORIDA

-------
 September, 1978.

 Shallow Ground Water - The surficial, or shallow ground-water
 system,  as previously described ,  is a fine to medium sand
 aquifer  with interbedded and dispersed clays.  The average
 permeability has been calculated to be about 260 gpd/ft .   The
 primary effect of the proposed action will  be to lower the water
 level  in the surficial system within the radius of influence
 created  by both dewatering and recharge wells.  Within the active
 mining area,  the water table will  be lowered to the top of the
 ore matrix,  a maximum of about 50  feet.  If significant
 permeability exists  in the matrix,  dewatering operations may
 require  lowering of  water  levels into the ore body.  The  lowering
 of  water levels in the shallow system will  decrease rapidly with
 distance from the dewatering wells.

 Mining will  begin in the southern  portion of  the property,  near
 the East Fork of the Manatee River.   As this  pit is abandoned,
 active mining with this  dragline will  move  northward.   The
 initial  mining pit will  then be modified for  use as a  surface
 water  supply  reservoir.  Dewatering  will  precede the mining by
 a  sufficient  time period to preclude delaying dragline
 operations,  the time being dependent on conditions  at  the
 individual  site.   The effect of a  single dewatering well will
 extend a distance of 1,700 to 2,400  feet  based upon operation
 of  6 months  and 1 year  respectively.

 Tentative  recharge-well  locations  have been  presented  in a  report
 entitled "Manatee Mine Recharge Program"  prepared  by Swift.   The
 recharge project  will  effect  water  levels in  the shallow ground-
 water  system  within  the  radius  of  influence of  each recharge
 well.  The dewatering and  recharge wells  will  cause a  similar
 response in  the lowering of  water  levels  in  the  surficial
 aquifer.  The  results  of hydrologic  testing of  the  deep aquifer
 system beneath  the project  site indicates sufficient aquifer
 permeability  to  accept the  recharged water  likely exists in  the
 Suwannee Formation and certainly within  the underlying Avon  Park
 Format ion.

 The  proposed  reclamation program will  return waste  clays (slimes)
 and  tailings  sands to  the mined-out  areas.  The majority of  these
 areas will be  filled with  a mixture  of waste clays  and  tailings
 sands.   This method  of reclamation may  reduce  the effectiveness
 of  recharge wells  by  decreasing  the  permeability of  the
 propert y.

The  projected effect  of  the mine operation on  the regional  flow
pattern  in the  shallow ground-water  system will be  small in
comparison to the effect on-site.  On-site flow patterns within
the surficial aquifer will  be altered depending on  the specific
 locations of the  recharge and dewatering wells and  the location
of  the clay,  clay/sand, and sand filled areas.  Of  the three
primary  factors involved in changes  in the flow within the
shallow ground-water  system (precipitation,  evapotranspiration,
and  leakage),  the precipitation and evapotranspiration will be
insignificantly effected.
                              62

-------
Vertical recharge (natural leakage plus induced recharge through
recharge wells) will increase during the operation of the mine-
recharge project but is expected to return to baseline conditions
at some time after reclamation is complete if the recharge
program is terminated.   The reason for the return to the baseline
conditions is that the vertical permeability of the underlying
Hawthorn/Tampa Formations is the controlling factor of natural
1eakage.

The base-flow component of stream discharge will be effected by
dewatering operations and recharge wells and may also be effected
by the  proposed reclamation project.  In the proximity of
dewatering or recharge wells, the infiltration capacity will
increase due to the dewatering effect of the wells.  The
dewatering will provide additional space within the surficial
materials to capture more of the precipitation than would have
occurred otherwise, resulting in less base flow to streams.

Whereas dewatering and the recharge projects are temporal in
nature, the extent of any effect due to the  reclamation project
on the  base flow to streams will extend for  prolonged periods
of time, and will be dependent upon the permeability of the
replaced materials and the proximiy to the streams.  Although
the permeability of the reclaimed areas will be altered to some
extent, the combined surface and subsurface  flow from the
property will return to near the baseline amounts.  There will,
however, be a change in the distribution of  the percentages of
each.

Deep Ground Water - The baseline information regarding the deep
ground-water system describes the aquifer characteristics
determined during the extensive drilling and testing conducted
on the  property.  Utilizing these characteristics, effects of
the proposed withdrawals  can be determined.  The primary effect
of withdrawals from the deep ground-water system is the lowering
of the  potentiometric surface within the area of influence of
the wel1s.

The schedule of withdrawals  is included in the consumptive-use
permit  granted by the SWFWMD.  This allows for withdrawals from
the deep ground-water system at a rate of 13 million gallons
per day (mgd) for the first 3 years of the mine's operation.
During  these 3 years, Swift  is required to construct a surface-
water  retention area that will provide 3 mgd.  Commencing in
the fourth year, the use  of surface water will result in a
decrease in the ground-water requirement to  10 mgd.  Prior to
the initiation of withdrawals, the SWFWMD permit requires the
construction of sufficient recharge wells to transmit 3 mgd of
water  from the surficial  aquifer into the deep system.  The
effect  of the recharge project will be to off-set the withdrawals
from the deep ground-water system by 3 mgd thereby decreasing
the net impact on the Floridan Aquifer.

The withdrawal points (well  locations) are shown on Figure 4.8-
1 of the following section.  The locations were selected to
reduce  the projected effect of the withdrawals outside of the
mine property.  The recharge points proposed by Swift are also

-------
 shown in Figure 4.8-1.   When actually constructed, the recharge
 wells may be located at  points other than those shown.  In
 general, however,  the locations shown are sufficient for the
 projection of  effects.   Proposed average recharge rates have
 been obtained  from information included in the Swift DRI Addendum
 and the  total  recharge  requirement  as specified by SWFWMD.

 As  proposed in the recharge project portion of the Swift DRI
 Addendum,  the  water  in  the  surficial aquifer  will be diverted
 to  the deep ground-water system by  use of recharge or connector
 wells.   The preliminary  design of  these wells indicates that
 they will  be cased to a  depth of 150 feet with open hole
 extending  to 700  or  800  feet.  This design should allow the water
 to  be accepted by  the Suwannee Formations, depending somewhat
 on  the head relationships  and formation permeabilities.  Both
 the Suwannee Formation  and  the underlying Avon Park Formation
 are capable of  receiving the expected quantities  of  recharged
 wa t e r.

 The effect of  the  scheduled net withdrawals is at a maximum at
 the end  of the  first  three  years of operation of  the proposed
 mine.  At  this  time,  the maximum decline of the potentiometric
 surface  on the mine  property is expected to be about 12 feet
 and at  the closest  property boundary about 3.7 feet.   These
 figures  decrease  to  about  9 and 2.6 feet respectively when
 surface  water  becomes available beginning in  the  fourth year
 and net  withdrawals  decrease by 3 mgd.

 The effect of  the  proposed  withdrawals  on the potentiometric
 surface  is extremely  small  in comparison to the large seasonal
 fluctuation  illustrated  in  Figure 4.7-2.   Figure  4.7-3(a)  is
 the calculated potentiometric surface  at  the  end  of  the first
 3 years  of operation  (the maximum drawdowns)  as added to  the May
 1978  potentiometric map  prepared by the  U.S.   Geological  Survey.
 The May  map  is representative of the dry season and,  therefore,
 usually  representative of the lowest  annual potentiometric
 surface.   A similar map  of  the  wet,  or  high potentiometric
 surface  season (September 1977), is  shown  as  Figure  4.7-3(b).
 The effect  of  the  scheduled  withdrawals  from  the  deep ground-
 water  system on the  regional  potentiometric surface  is  small.

Mitigating Measures

Mitigating measures on the  effects  resulting  from the  proposed
mining operations are primarily  included  in the terms  and
 conditions of the SWFWMD consumptive-use  permit (No.  27703739).
 This permit was granted on  September  6,  1978,  and expires
 September  5, 1984.  The permit  includes  details of well  locations
 and pumpage rates in  the deep ground-water  system and  places
 restrictions upon effects in  both the shallow  and deep  ground-
water systems.   The permit also  requires  the construction of a
 recharge-well system  for the  purpose of  recharging 3,024,000
gallons per day (average annual) from the  unconfined  surficial
aquifer and/or  secondary artesian aquifer  to the Florida
Aqu i f er.

Shallow Ground  Water  - The primary effect  of the proposed action
                               64

-------
                POTENTIOMETRIC SURFACE OF THE FLORIDAN  AQUIFER
                     (a) MAY 1978-LOW HATER LEVEL  PERIOD
                     (b) SEPTEMBER 1977-HIGH WATER LEVEL PERIOD
            Original Potentiometric  Surface
            Generalized Change
            Mine Location
 FIGURE : 4.7-3 (a) (b)
 GENERALIZED     CHANGE    IN    THE
 POTENTIOMETRIC   SURFACE  AS   A
   RESULT   OF  A     10  MGD   NET
               WITHDRAWAL
 SOURCE . LEGGETTE , BRASHEARS  8  GRAHAM
__^_^______--
U.S.  EPA - REGION  IV
DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
MANATEE   COUNTY  ,  FLORIDA

-------
 on the shallow ground-water  system is the lowering of the water
 level  within the system by the dewatering and/or  recharge wells.

 The consumptive-use permit and the rules and regulations of the
 SwFVMVD limit effects  within  the shallow ground-water  system to
 less than 3 feet of lowering outside of property  which is not
 owned,  leased or otherwise controlled by the applicant.

 No provisions are included within the permit to monitor  water
 levels  in permanent wells  screened in the shallow ground-water
 system.   Such a monitoring plan would appear to be necessary to
 determine the lateral  effect  of the recharge/dewatering  systems
 and to  determine any  change  in the effectiveness  of  the  recharge
 program  as  reclamation of  the mined-out pits increases.
 Likewise,  no provision is  included which identifies  the  expected
 life of  the recharge  program.   The regional  ground-water  manager,
 the SWFWVD,  may wish  to extend the program indefinitely  as  a
 mitigative  measure  for the large withdrawals which are taking
 place within the region.   The continuance of the  recharge program
 considerably past  the  life of  the mine  will  result in  a
 continuation of the lessening in base flow available.

 Deep Ground Water  - The primary effect  of  the proposed action
 on  the deep ground-water system is the  lowering of the
 potentiometric  surface resulting from the withdrawals  of  water
 for  process  needs.  Paragraph  6 of the  consumptive-use permit
 limits the  total withdrawal  from the  property to  a "maximum
 combined  average annual withdrawal  of  12,960,000  gallons  of  water
 per  day,  with a maximum combined withdrawal  rate  not  to exceed
 20,480,000  during a single day." Mitigating  the effect of  this
 withdrawal  is accomplished within the framework of  the
 consumptive-use permit  by  requiring the direct  recharge of  the
 deep system  with water  from  the  overlying shallow system.   The
 result of the recharge  is  to  reduce the net  withdrawal from the
 deep system.

 To monitor  the  effectiveness  of  the recharge wells and to
 ascertain compliance,the permit,  provides for  flow measurements,
 to  "be performed on each of  the  connector wells irrmedi atel y  upon
 completion of construction and  then once  a month  thereafter
 unless otherwise approved  in writing  by the  District Staff".

An  additional lessening of  the  amount of water withdrawn  from
 the deep  system will come  as a  result of  the  use  of a surface-
water reservoir  located on  the East Fork of  the Manatee River
 in  the southeast portion of the mine property.  The consumptive
use permit requires that "commencing with the fourth (4th) year
of mining operations,   the  permittee shall decrease its ground-
water withdrawals by withdrawing water  from  the Storage Basin,
when available".

The permit requirements are sufficient  to limit withdrawals  from
the ground-water system to  amounts  and  locations which should
not pose any threat to the  aquifer.
                               66

-------
4.8  GROUND-WATER QUALITY

Basel 1ne

Distinct differences occur in the chemical characteristics of
the water in the shallow and deep ground-water systems both on
the property and in the region in general.  Chemical analyses
of water samples collected from wells in both aquifer systems
are shown on Tables 4.8-A and 4.8-B.  The sampling  locations for
the shallow and deep ground-water systems are identified on
Figure 4.8-1.  The potable production horizons of the deep ground
water system are underlain by evaporite deposits containing
highly mineralized water and high chloride water is known to
exist in areas along the coast, to the west of the  project site.

Shallow Ground-Water Quality - The ground-water quality in the
shallow or surficial aquifer over the project site  has been
sampled and analyzed at four locations.  Two of these wells were
constructed as part of the testing program carried  out by Swift
and two are existing wells; one used for livestock  watering and
one for garden irrigation.  Figure 4.8-1 shows the  location of
these wells.

The chemical analyses of water samples from the surficial aquifer
throughout the region generally show the water to be soft, low
in chloride content except in areas of brackish or  saline waters,
and often with relatively high iron concentrations.  As seen in
Table 4.8-A, water-quality from Wells North and South Shallow
meets the reconrmended or mandatory drinking water standards
except for hydrogen sulfide, iron, pH and odor.  Well North
Shallow also exceeds the reconrmended turbidity standard.  Water
samples from Well W-C and W-H also meet the recommended drinking
water standards except for pH and total coliform as seen in Table
4.8-B.

Evidence in the analyses of water samples from the  four wells
shows that two, North Shallow and Well W-H, are located at sites
that have been or are presently being fertilized.

Total Coliform reported in water samples from Wells North and
South Shallow are low whereas the count for Well W-C and W-H were
reported as "too numerous to count", indicating the coliform was
many times the mandatory drinking water standards.

Deep Ground-Water Quality - Several zones or hydrogeologic units
comprise the deep ground-water system at the project site and
the region in general.  In order of increasing depth are the
Hawthorn/Tampa, Suwannee, Ocala, Avon Park, and Lake City
Formations.  With the exception of the Lake City, these
formations, which make up the Floridan Aquifer, and are the
primary sources of potable supply for the majority  of
municipalities in the region as well as the source  for most
irrigational and industrial requirements.  Typically these waters
are relatively hard, clear, occasionally odorous, with low
chloride concentrations except in areas of saline ground waters
near the coast.  At the proposed project site, comprehensive
chemical analyses were obtained of water samples withdrawn from
                               67

-------
Table 4.8-A     Ground-Water  Analysis  Results  -  Installed  Wells
Drinking


Inorganic (mg/1)

C .1 1 c i um
Magncs ium
Sodium
Potass ium

Carbonat e
B i carbonate
Siilfatf
Chlol-1-le
Silica

Hydrr.xf Jt.
Carbon D i oxide
Hvdrt'gcn Sulfldr (H^^) as
Ortho Phosphate
Iron
Copper
Manga m-si1
Zinc
Ar s i'u i c
Ha r i um
Cadmium
Chromium
Lead
Mercury
Nitrate (NO}) as
S liver
Fluoride
Other Properties (mg/1 exc
nH
pn
Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS) at 180° C
Specific Conductance
(micromhos/cm)
Total Alkalinity as CaCO}
Total Hardness as CaCO}
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (PCU)
Foaming Agents
Odor (units)
Organic (mg/1)
K nd i' i n
I. i ndane
Methoxychlor
Toxaphene
Total Pesticide

2-4D
2,4,5-TP
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
Oil and Crease



Ca
Mg
Na


HCO}
S04
Cl
S 10 •?


OH
CO 2
S
FO/,
Fe
Cu
Mn
7.n
As
Ba
Cd
Cr
Pb
Hg
N
Se
Ag
F
ept as

















Watt
Stand

200
125
200


250
250


0.05
0.3
1.0
0.05
5
0.05
1.0
0.01
0.05
0.05
0.002
10.0
0.01
0.05
1.8
•r i
ardi/

W
P
C


E2
E2


E2
E2
E2
F.2
E2
El
El
El
El
El
El
El
El
El
El

Hawthorn

53
19
12
1.48

0
268
2
4
25

0
23.47^7
7.6 U
0:22
0.05
'0.1
<0.05
'0.01
-'0.5
'0.01
<0.01
'0.01
<0.001
0.05
'0.01
<0.01
1.5

Suwannee

57
17
14
1.98

0
195
62
11
25

0
0.07
0.18
<0.1
'0.05
'0.01
'0.05
'0.01
'0.01
'0.01
'O.ooi
0.27
'0.01
'0.01
1.3
Avon
Park

58
17
8.3
1.37

0
168
73
10
14

0
0.09
0.07
'0.1
<0.05
'0.01
'0.5
'0.01
'0.01
<0.01
'0.001
'0.01
'0.01
'0.01
0.7
South
Shallow

3.2
1.0
6.1
0.19

0
12
2
9
4.3

0
0.10 11
0.90
0.31
'0.1
<0.05
'0.1
'0.01
'0.5
'0.01
'0.01
'0.01
'0.001
0.02
'0.01
'0.01
0.2
North
Shal low

19
5.3
4.1
0.62

0
76
3
5
6.2

0
54.93-27
0.3417
7.66
0.74
'0.1
'0.05
'0.1
'0.01
'0.5
<0.01
<0.01
'0.01
'0.001
0.01
'0.01
'0.01
0.7
otherwise noted)
6.5-8.
500



1
15
0.5
3

0.0002
0.004
0.1
0.005


0.1
0.01


5 E2
E2



E2
E2
E2
E2

El
El
El
El


El
El


7.6 ll
252

430
220
209
0.24
2
0.22
10

'0.0001
<0.001
'0.05
'0.001
None
Detected
'0.05
'0.005
1.80
<0.1
7.7 H
284

430
160
212
2.7
5
'0.01
2

'0.0001
<0.001
<0.05
'0.001
None
Detected
'0.05
'0.005
1.75
'0.1
7.9 U
300

500
138
216
1.5
5
'0.01
3

<0.0001
'0.001
'0.05
'0.001
None
Detected
'0.05
'0.005
1.13
'0.1
4.15^/
24

75
10
12
0.3
5
'0.01
10

'O.oooi
'0.001
'0.05
'0.001
None
Detec ted
<0.05
'0.005
5.35
'0.1
6.4 H
72

134
62
70
4.8
5
'0.01
5

'0.0001
'0.001
<0.05
'0.001
None
Detected
<0.05
'0.005
1.68
<0.1
Biological (colonies/100 ml)
Total Coli form
Kecal Coli form
Fecal Streptococci



4


El


10
8
48
<1
'1
r)
Cross Alpha
Radium 226 plus Radium 228
Cross Beta
Tr i t ium
S front ium 90





15
5
50
20,000
8
El
F.1
El
El
El
27.6*0.8

0.0*2.0
357.7*5.4
<0.1
0.0*0.3

3.9*1.8
301.7*5.4
'0.1
4.6*0.4

0.0*1.8
84.6*5.3
<0.2
9.9*1.2

12.1*3.5
338.5*5.4
'0.2
4.3*0.6

7.8*2.4
450.1*5.4
'0.1
           U W - World Health Organization, International  (1963)
             P - U.  S. Public Health Service (1962)
             C - California State Water Quality Control Board
             El - Environmental Protection Agency  Primary Standards (Mandatory)
             E2 - Environmental Protection Agency  Secondary Standards  (Recommended)
           lj Field measurement
                                               68

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Table 4.8-B   Ground-Hater Analysis Results - Existing Wells
APRIL 1974
ANALYSIS
Total Nitrogen, mg/liter
Nitrogen as Ammonia, mg N/l
Organic Nitrogen
Nitrate Nitrogen, mg N/l
Nitrite Nitrogen, mg N/l
Total Phosphates as PO^mg/l
Diss. Ortho Phos., PO4 mg/l
Total Residue, mg/l
Non- Filterable Res., mg/l
Potassium, as K mg/l
Iron as Fe mg/l
Zinc as Zn mg/l
Copper as Cu mg/l
Lead as Pb mg/l
Sulfides as h^S, mg/l
Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l
BOD, mg/l
COD, mg/l
pH Laboratory
Total Coliform Colonies
/100ml
Fecal Coliform
Colonies/100 ml
Fecal Streptococci!,
Colonies/ 100 ml (1)
Chlorides, Cl mg/l
Fluorides, Fl mg/l
Silica, Si02 mg/l
Sulfates, SO4 mg/l
Arsenic As, mg/l
Oil and Grease, mg/l
Surfactants (Methylene Blue
Active Substances)
Specific Conductance,
mhosx 10'5at25°C
Pesticides
Herbicides
Turbidity, JCU
Color, Taylor Units
Temperature, Water °C
C
2449
0.29
0.10
0.15
0.03
0.005
0.03
0.02
25
4
0.2
0.20
0.075
0.03
0.041
<0.1
5.2
1.7
11
4.85
TNTC
<1.0
<1.0
9.5
<0.2
2.5
<0.1
<0.02
<0.5
<0.01
15
ND
ND
# *
# #
22.5
H
2454
6.60
0.15
1.45
5.00
0.0023
0.05
0.005
330
4
15.0t
0.09
0.045
<0.01
<0.002
<0.1
7.4
<0.1
15
4.80
TNTC
<1.0
<1.0
40.0+
<0.2
2.4
12.8
<0.02
<0.5
<0.01
170
ND
ND
* *
* *
20.0
1
2455
0.36
0.25
<0.05
0.05
< 0.001
0.01
<0.005
380
3
0.80
0.48
1.520
0.05
<0.002
<0.1
6.9
0.7
15
7.90
TNTC
<1.0
<1.0
9.0
<0.2
9.9
0.2
<0.02
<0.5
<0.01
160
ND
ND
* #
* *
25.5
J
2456
0.48
0.35
<0.05
0.07
C0.001
< 0.005
< 0.005
228
7
1.0
0.36
0.025
0.10
0.139
<0.1
4.9
1.2
22
8.20
TNTC
<1.0
<1.0
14.5
3.0
2.7
0.2
<0.02
<0.5
<0.01
180
ND
ND
**
# *
27.0
K
2457
0.29
0.20
<0.05
0.03
0.003
<0.005
0.01
258
5
0.6
0.19
0.205
0.05
0.005
<0.1
5.8
1.3
15
8.20
TNTC
<1.0
<1.0
8.5
1.0
3.0
<0.1
<0.02
<0.5
<0.01
143
ND
ND
* *
* *
26.0
                             69

-------
       j» N6.RTH-TEST WELL-/r~"f
       .* NORTH  SHALLOW
       i-
          ....	r--.—.-   \^   -JM;    x-
         	'r^^Kfa^
                        W-K  " \
                   Y-r
         /'- /?>.<
                                                            A - Proposed Recharge Well
           I: / i v/' r /
           ;' 1\Y >•")-
          c < L^^,..^' -"
        ;   r   j \f •'
        y-^ (.I A, .;
        1
                            x? I
                             ' A
              r-—l--.'>

              *
   V  \ A  '
PARK *•   V-.-''
IAV>M  P     ?  •  U   *
  1   ^.r  )    imAvrrHOR

        —i-p-^-b-^	£-\	\	-/--	<^—*	-
FIGURE  . 4.8-1
                  WELL    LOCATIONS
SOURCE :  LEGGETTE  , BRASHEARS  a  GRAHAM ,  INC.
                                                    U.S. EPA  - REGION  IV
                                                    DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL
                                                    IMPACT  STATEMENT FOR
                                                    SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL  CHEMICALS
                                                    CORPORATION
                                                    PROPOSED   DUETTE  MINE
                                                    MANATEE  COUNTY , FLORIDA

-------
  the producing horizons of the Hawthorn, Suwannee, and Avon Park
  Formations and less comprehensive chemical analyses for the Lake
  City Formation.  Table 4.8-A contains the results of the
  analyses for samples collected above the Lake City formation.

  The formations above the Lake City contain potable waters and
  ia?e?°Tf«ni«0!l    theK6 t0-th£ mandatory or recorrmended drinking
  water standards are shown in Table 4.8-A.   As evidenced by this
  m^lf'tJ   ?at!;r  withdrawn from the deep ground-water system
  meets the standards except for the hydrogen sulfide,  odor, total
  coliform colonies and  gross  alpha determinations in the Hawthorn
  Formation.   Additionally,  the hydrogen  sulfide and turbidity

  plrk Formations0* ^  *"  W3ter * rOm either the Suwa™ee or Avon

  The Lake City  Formation does  not  contain any  appreciable
  producing zone  due  to  the  existence  of  interstitial  and layered
  evaporites.  Water  from this  formation  (1740-2000 feet  betow land
  surface)  is  highly mineralized  and  does  not meet  most drinking-
  water  standards.  Sampling locations  used  for  determining  the

     6      rU"Watr
nnt6!^  frHU??"Watur *uainY in the deeP ground-water system were
not located throughout the property but rather in the south and
north portions.   Figure 4.8-1 shows the well locations.

Impact

In general,  the  available data indicate that the shallow system

    aSar WriCVS S°ft'  high  in  ' r°n  and bacteria contenT
                The  deep system contains water which,  except for
                                                     ,     p
 wateT standards' meGtS the mandatorv or recorrmended drinking


 Effects will be noticed in the shallow ground-water system in
 response to the recharge and reclamation projects.  Effects due
 to mining operations and dewatering are expected to be small in
 c ornp a r i son.

 The deep ground-water system will  be effected primarily by the
 anS ahf P^oject'   Any effects  on  this  system due to withdrawals
 negligible    q     water-level  changes  are anticipated to be


 Shallow Ground-Water Quality -  The  dewatering of the surficial
 adv.rT  °h  the  ?UrP?Se °f mininS is  not  expected to cause any
 adverse  change  in  the quality of the water  remaining in the
 rant!!?;   f0"16 ™ n°r  chan§es  wi ] J occur  due  to the additional
 capture  of  precipitation within the  dewatered sands.   Likewise
 other  than  changes  associated with additional  capture  ^keW1S6'
 rainfall, the  recharge project will  not  cause any change  in  the
water  qua ity.  Although the  dewatering  and  recharge pK j ects
will  result  in an  increase in the amount of  precipitation  that
 is captured  by the shallow ground-water  system,  {he  grad?ent  in
 the system will convey  this water to either  the  dewa?e?ing sy tern
or the recharge wells  and thence out of  the water-table Jystm.

The use of the mined-out pits as storage areas for  the waste
clays and tailing sands will  have an effect on the wa^^al i ty
                                71

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in the shallow system.  The nature of the water quality changes
will depend on the nature of the material placed in the pits.
The amount and kinds of reliable data needed to characterize the
water quality of the waste clays are not available at the Duette
Mine site due to the fact that the mine  is not in operation.
However, the clay-storage area (less than 5% of the
property) is not expected to contribute  a significant volume of
water to the surficial aquifer system due to its size and the
low-permeability range of the waste clays (.09 to .0007
zpd/ft  ).  Therefore, changes in the water-quality within the
surficial aquifer as a result of the clay-storage area should
be  restricted to its  immediate vicinity.

If  following mining operations, a pit  is filled with tailing
sands,  the water quality of the shallow ground-water system  is
expected to  remain relatively unchanged.  This is due to the
nature  of the tailings sands.  Being predominately silica sands,
the silica content may increase slightly, however, due to the
low dissolution capability of silica, the increase should be very
small.  The  tailings  sands are more permeable  than either the
waste'clays  or  the existing surface soils and, therefore,
precipitation infiltration will increase.  This should decrease
the already-low hardness of the water in this  system near the
tailings  impoundments.

In  the  majority of the reclaimed  lands,  the  fill material is to
be  a mixture of tailings sand and waste clays  in an approximate
2  5:1 ratio.  This ratio is designed to reduce the permeability
of  the  tailings sands  and add nutrients  to the mined-out areas
that  tailings alone  cannot  do.  Reliable site-specific data
regarding the chemical character of the water  within the
sand/clay mix have not been developed at the Duette Mine site.
One  sample collected  from the pilot-plant study at the Duette
Mine  and  data from water decanted  from  a pond  which  received sand
tailings  and waste clays at Swift's Silver City Mine, however,
may provide  some  insight as to  the  quality of  the water within
the  sand/clay mix at  the Duette  site.   Comparison of water-
quality data from the North and  South shal1ow  wel1s, with  those
from  the  previous1y mentioned studies indicate that  differences
between the  quality  of the water within the  sand/clay mix and
that  within  the surficial deposits may  be seen as  increases  in
chloride,  ortho phosphate,  nitrate,  fluoride,  pH,  total  dissolved
solids,  specific  conductance  and  total  alkalinity.

Once  the mine begins  operation  and  reliable  site-specific  data
are available,  the  actual differences between  the water  quality
of  the  various  waste  products and  the surficial  deposits can be
refined and  quantitative predictions may be made  as  to  the  effect
of  the  placement  of  these waste  products at  the Duette Mine.

Although  it  is  not  anticipated  to  be a  problem,  the  potential
for  leakage  from  slurry  pipelines,  return-water  systems  and other
 transport  systems could  have  an  impact  on the  water  quality in
the shallow  ground-water  system.

Deep  Ground-Water Quality - With  the exception of water  in  the
Hawthorn  Formation,  water  in  the  deep system meets  the mandatory
                               72

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 drinking water  standards  and most  recommended  standards  down  to
 the  evaporite  zones  of  the  Lake City  Formation.   The  effect of
 the  proposed action  on  the  water  quality  of  this  system  will  be
 due  to  both  the withdrawal  of water from  the system and  the
 recharge of water  from  the  upper water-table system.

 The  potential  effects due to the withdrawal of water  from the
 deep ground-water  system  include  the  upconing  of  highly-
 mineralized water  found below the  producing zones  and the lateral
 movement of  salt water  inland from the  coast.   It  is  extremely
 unlikely that  either of these potential impacts will  occur at
 the  Swi ft  site.

 Upconing of  the mineralized water  located in the  Lake City
 Formation  requires a driving head  and sufficient  formational
 permeability to force these higher  density waters  into overlying
 formations.  At the  Swift site there  is a substantial  upward  head
 drive from the Lake City  to the Avon  Park and  Suwannee
 Formations,  however, testing of the deeper formations  has proved
 the  permeability of  the Lake City  Formation  is extremely low  in
 comparison to  the  permeabilities of the overlying  formations.

 Estimates  of the quantity of highly mineralized water  being
 withdrawn  during testing  on the property  of a well open  into  the
 evaporite  zones indicated little movement of the  deeper  waters.

 Data illustrating  the integrity of  the  Lake City  Formation was
 presented  in Figure  4.7-2.  This figure shows  that the head in
 the  Lake City  Formation did not change  during  the  period of
 record.  Over  this same period of  time, heads  in  the  overlying
 Avon Park  and  Suwannee Formations  exhibit seasonal fluctuations
 of about 30  feet.

 Calculations of the effect  of withdrawals from the deep  ground
 water system on the inland  movement of  the salt-water/fresh-water
 interface  located  near the  coast are  too  complex  to be done with
 much accuracy.  In an attempt to determine the maximum effect
 on the  potential for lateral movement,  the use of  a volume
 displacement model was employed.   In  essence,  this model
 discounts  recharge to the ground-water  system  as well  as under
 flow in the system.  The  total volume withdrawn from  the system
 is assumed to  be supplied from the  perimeter of a  circular area
 with  its center at the point of withdrawal and its initial radius
 at the  existing interface.  Calculations  done with this  model
 place the maximum  inland movement  of  the  perimeter at  169 feet
 for  the 31 years of the mine operation.   This movement is
 essentially  inrmeasurabl e with present knowledge as to  the exact
 location of the interface and existing  technology.  Applying  this
 same model  to  the  annual average volume of water presently
 permitted within the area coastward of  the mine yields a maximum
movement of the perimeter of about  102 feet per year.

As previously discussed,  the SWF^XMD consumptive-use permit
 requires the artificial  recharge of an additional  3 mgd  over  the
 naturally-occurring leakage at the project site.  The  source  of
 the  additional  recharge is  the water-table, or surficial
 aquifer.   Section  4.7 discusses the quantitative aspects  of this
                                73

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 requirement  and  indicates  the  calculated  average recharge  rate
 per well  is  about  70  gpm.   At  this  calculated  rate,  31  wells
 would  be  required  and if  possible,  the  induced recharge may
 include water  from the matrix.   The water-quality  aspects  of  the
 recharge  program are  very  complex and  variable.

 A complicating factor in  the prediction of  effects  resulting  from
 the  recharge project  is  the reclamation project.   Proposed
 reclamation  measures  include the placement  of  a  mixture of waste
 clays  and tailing  sands  in some  of  the mined-out pits.  The
 reclamation  project also  proposes  the  placement  of  un-mixed
 tailings  sands and waste  clays  in other areas.   Reclamation of
 these  mined-out  areas by  this method will have some  effect on
 both the  quantity  and the  quality of the  recharged water.
 Although  reliable  site-specific  data regarding the  quality of
 the water derived  from areas of  sand/clay mix  are  not available
 for  the Duette site,  information is  available  from  Swift's Silver
 City Mine.   This  information indicates that  the  water from a
 sand/clay mix  at  the  Duette site may be expected  to meet drinking-
 water  standards  except for  fluoride, total  dissolved solids and
 turbidity.

 Mitigating Measures

 In general,  the major effect in  the  shallow ground-water system
 results from the  reclamation project; with  secondary effects
 being  caused by waste-clay  storage  and the  active mining
 operations.  The deep ground-water  system is effected primarily
 by the recharge/dewatering  projects  which directly  transmit water
 from the  shallow system to  the deep  system  by means of wells.
 Mitigative measures for the deep ground-water  system are included
 in the consumptive-use permit granted by the SWFMMD.

 Shallow Ground-Water  Quality - The  primary  effects anticipated
 within the shallow ground-water  system are  the water-quality
 changes associated with the reclamation project.  Secondary
 effects include the temporal changes in quality  resulting  from
 the active mining  operations and  some changes  due to the capture
 of additional  rainfall within the dewatered  sands surrounding
 dewatering/recharge wells.

Mitigative measures for the temporal effects may include
monitoring the quality of the water  being removed from  the system
 by the dewatering/recharge  wells and field  inspection of the
 return ditches and slurrying pits.  The monitoring of water
 levels in the  system  will give some  indication of the existence
of mounding  near the  ditches and pits which may be indicative
 of leakage.  Mi tigative measures for the potential changes due
 to the reclamation project  are difficult to devise since the
changes may  be of  such a nature  that their effect on the
 environment may not be evidenced for a long period of time.

Deep Ground-Water Quality - The primary actions resulting  in
water-quality effects  in the deep ground-water  system include
 the dewatering/recharge projects from the  system and the
withdrawal of supply water  from the system.   The proposed actions
may result in a lowering of the water quality in the deep
                                74

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  s y s t em.

  The dewatering/recharge  projects will connect  the  shallow  and
  deep systems allowing water  in  the  upper aquifer to  flow into
  the underlying Floridan  Aquifer.  Monitoring of  the  quality  of
  the water being discharged from the shallow aquifer  is  required
  by  the SWFWMD consumptive-use permit  in paragraph  10  j  for
  various parameters and at a  specified schedule.  This paragraph
  further provides for the cessation  of the  introduction  of  the
 water from  the upper system  for cause.

 The permit  also addresses the potential for upconing and requires
 analyses for various parameters or  specific schedules for water
 from the production wells in the Floridan Aquifer.

 As previously mentioned,  the permit does not indicate the
 expected life of the recharge project.  While the mine  is
 actively operating, the  recharged water will enter  the area
 effected by withdrawals  from the supply wells (cone of
 depression).  About 60-70% will  be captured in the  flow pattern
 to the supply wells.   The remaining water will  enter the regional
 flow system of  the Floridan Aquifer.

 Due  to the location of  the proposed recharge wells  and the  slow
 movement  of  water  within  the regional  system (about 60
 feet/year),  recharged water  from only  2 of  the  31 proposed
 recharge  wells  is  expected to exit  the property during the  mine
 operation.   At  the end  of the 21-year  life  of  the project,  about
 98%  of  the total  recharged water will  remain beneath the mine
 property.   When mining  ceases,  the  cone  of  depression will  cease
 to exist  and all of the  recharged water  will  begin  to follow the
 regional  flow pattern.  Due  to  dispersion and  dilution,  the
 recharged  water may become  indistinguishable from the natural
 waters  at  the distance  of a  few  miles  or  less  from  the property.
 The  extremely low  flow  rate  in  the  regional  system  and the  large
 dilution  factor within  the Floridan  Aquifer  will  strengthen the
 resource  protection already  afforded by  the  District  permit.

 A determination of  the  life  of the  recharge  project and  the
 possibility  of the  need for off-site monitoring of  the deep
 system are closely  tied.   If  recharge  continues,  the  change in
 water quality down-gradient from the site should  be monitored.
 If recharge  ceases  after  the  reclamation project, off-site
monitoring may not  be needed.


 4.9  SURFACE WATER  HYDROLOGY

Baseli ne

The distribution and circulation of water in the atmosphere, on
the land surface,  and in  the  soil and underlying rocks of the
Duette Mine Site are typical  of  the Middle Gulf Hydrologic  System
as described by Cherry et.al. (1970).  This  well established
hydrologic pattern   is  a  result of the semi-tropical
climatological regime, the very flat relief, the unconsolidated
quartz sand surficial  deposits,  and the limestone and dolomite
                                75

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ppoloeic formations of the region.  It is characterized by an
Iverale annual rainfall of about 55 inches (SWFWMD), an average
annual evapotranspiration of 39 inches, an average annual total
surface runoff of  15 inches and an annual aquifer recharge of
between 1/2 and 5  inches.

The 10 394 acre Swift  site lies within portions of the watersheds
of the'Manatee River,  the Little Manatee River, and the Myakka
River   Less than  2.5% of the property, the southeast corner,
drains southward to Wingate Creek, which is a tributary of the
Myakka River.  An  area on the northwest corner, approximately
13% of the total site, drains to the west into the South Fork
of the Little Manatee River which originates on the site.  The
major portion of the property, the remaining 85%, drains either
into  the North Fork of the Manatee River or the East Fork of the
Manatee River.  The North Fork of the Manatee River enters the
site  in the north, exits, re-enters north of the Keentown and
re-exits in the southwest, draining about 39% of the site.  The
East Fork of the Manatee River enters  in the southeast and exits
across th southwest boundary, draining approximately 46% of the
site.  The north and east forks of the Manatee River come
together approximately Smiles southwest of the site, and drain
into Lake Manatee  about  10 miles downstream of the mine
property.  The Manatee River and Little Manatee River ultimately
drain into Tampa Bay while the Myakka  discharges into Charlotte
Harbor. A comparison of  the three watersheds which lie within
the site boundaries is presented in Table 4.9-A.

Table 4.9-A   Drainage Basin Areas
Watershed
Name
Little
Manatee
River
Total Area
of Watershed
(sq. mi )
211
Area of
Watershed
Within Mining
Site (sq. mi )
2.2
% of Water-
shed Within
; Mining Si te
(percent )
1.0
Area of
Watershed
Upstream of
Mi ne Site
(sq. mi )
3.7
Lk. Manatee

Myakka R.
123

550
13.6

 0
11.1

 0. 1
20.2

 0
Stream flow characteristics in the Central Florida region are
a result of the relatively flat topography, with an average
southwestward sloping gradient of 5 feet/mile and the subtropical
rainfall.  Stream bed channel slopes range from 0.5% to about
0.2% resulting in velocities of less than 2.5 feet per second.
Approximately 60% of the total annual average precipitation
results from thunderstorms during the 4 months of June, July,
August, and September.  These intense storms of relatively short
duration saturate the surface soils, raise the water table to
the land surface at many places, rapidly increase stream
discharges, and occasionally cause some local flooding.  The
rains during the remainder of the year are generally widely
                               76

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spaced with respect to time of occurrence and are of the gentle
f?o"al type.   During this period stream flows decrease, the
                               -       "                 ' y

  i, of water per day to streamflow.  About  13% of this
gallons of wa^gd drains to the Little Manatee River and about
S  or a'pproximfteTy  10 mgd, drains to the North and East Forks
of the Manatee River.

United States Geological Survey  (USGS) stream flow records on the
Manatee River, two miles downstream from the confluence of the
Nor?h and East Forks, were analyzed to obtain average maximum
average mean, and average minimum monthly flows for the period
of record from April 1966, through September 197*.  Average
monthly extreme flows at the downstream end of  the Swift property
we?e determined by assuming that the flow is proportional to the
drainage area raised to  the power 0.75, a regional relationship
^veloled from historical records from nine USGS gauging stations
?n connect on with flood plain studies.  The results are shown
on Fisure%.9-l.  The East Fork  of the Manatee  River  during this
S yea? period, had an  average maximum flow of 2*2 mgd, an average
mean flow of  
-------
00
fD fD ft) ^P Q <"i <— \
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"D O 3 OQ 3 "> fD
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03X3 O.<00.3
tn •-• r+ fD ft) >-• >-• o C r+
C 3 "IX" fD to r+ fD *— D "i ^~
"• ft> Q. "t fD i— ^a
fD % >— i— ft>O Q-3"O -iv-. fl> l-h Hh ft) O
f < OQ «*> Or+^-ft)
ft) fD Oi-hi-hTO3
T to 3- Q _ (D OS ft)
fD ^-- "i »— O ^- O "~<
M 3 OQOCl-O3"to
(D ^ to ,-«. i~
< n •• »-• to o to
*-• Hti 3 h-h t-h ^
«•+ to OQ O O
3" •• 1 Hh r+ ft)
3- to
fD

AVERAGE MAXIMUM. MEAN AND MINIMUM MONTHLY FLOWS AT DOWNSTREAM END OF SWIFT 1>RO1>6RTY
AVERAGE MINIMUM
MONTHLY FLOW AVERAGE MEAN MONTHLY FLOW AVERAGE MAXIMUM MONTHLY FLOW
(1966- 1974). cf, 11966- 1974). cti (1966 - 1974). cfi
o33o3g§S0 8 i § §
IP ^
> U >
u. "*
It i
y i ?
* M ?
p I j p
— p [— 1-* JL
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1 i 1
rt i o

111, I s •=
IT > -1 i
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Is S
! /5 !
VV/ I
111 1
rV^ f
f ?o f
i j Z 3> P
\ ™ Tl
2 C g m o
"™* 3
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[VJ
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i
m

L 	 1 	 . 	 — ,
1 i
H nJ"J
\ir


-------
 data for generalized plots of log Q versus  log  A for  various
 desired recurrence  intervals were developed.  These  relationships
 were used  in conjunction with measured cross  sections
 and estimated channel
                     s1 opes,
                     25  and
                       roughness to obtain mean  annual,
100 year flood  elevations for the streams on  the  Swift  property.
The total  inundated  area for all 'streams within the site is 545
acres for  the mean  annual flood, 870 acres  for  the  25 year flood,
and 1,120  acres  for  the 100 year flood.  These  are  approximate
5, 8, and  11 percent  respectively of the total  Duette site area.

The peak discharge  for  floods of varying recurrence intervals
of entry and exit  points from Swift's property  are  presented in
Figure 4.9-2.
                 PEAK DISCHARGE FOR FLOODS OF VARYING
                 RECURRENCE INTERVALS AT ENTRY AND
                 EXIT POINTS FROM SWIFT PROPERTY
          5000 40OO 3COO
                    2000
                           1000 800  goo 600
                             900 700
40U  300 PEAK DISCHARGE, cfi 100
  Figure  4.9-2  Peak Discharge for  Floods  of  Varying Recurrence
                 Intervals at Entry  and  Exit  Points

Impact

In order  to  explain the effects of  the  Duette mine and plant on
the  regional  water  regime, it is necessary  to review the water
management plan.   This plan was designed to minimize the use of
well water.   Water  for the mining areas used  to  slurry and
                                 79

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transport the matrix will be provided from a 200 acre surface
water reservoir and a recirculating system.  The reservoir will
be filled during times of high flow from the East Fork Manatee
River.  In addition, runoff from active mining areas, roadways,
and the beneficiation plant area will be collected in drainage
ditches and added to the  recirculation system.  Water from wells
will be used to provide make-up water in the flotation process
only.  The recirculation  system water supply capacity will be
relatively small during start-up and the early years of
operation, requiring make-up water at a higher rate until the
surface water reservoir and clay impoundment reservoirs are
developed.  It is anticipated that a minimum of three years of
operation will be needed  before a reasonable storage exists
sufficient to satisfy normal rainfall, evaporation/transpiration
variances and to nullify  other losses in the system.

During peak stream flow periods a variable portion of the
discharge of the East Fork Manatee River will be diverted through
an off-channel weir to the surface water reservoir.  This water
which will be used to make-up 2.88 mgd of  the process demands,
amounts to 25% of the average annual runoff of 11.8 mgd which
comes from the total Duette mine property.  The diversion will
not effect low or average flows since it will only occur during
periods of high flow.  The historical average maximum monthly
flow of the East Fork Manatee River is 184 mgd for the three wet
months of July, August, and September, while the average mean
monthly flow for the same three month period is 26.5 mgd.

A general 1.6 mgd reduction in runoff from the Swift property
will occur during the mining phase due to  the increased area of
water retention bodies on the property, i.e., mined-out pits and
the initial settling area; a 2.6 mgd reduction wi 11 occur due
to deep aquifer recharge  resulting from the installation of
connector wells; and a 0.1 mgd reduction in base flows due to
dewatering of mine pits.  These quantities, plus the 2.9 mgd
diversion to the surface  water reservoir,  amount to a total
reduction of stream flow  of 7.2 mgd during the active mining
phase.  Approximately 1.8 mgd of the reduction will occur in the
North Fork Manatee River, and 5.4 mgd in the East Fork Manatee
River.  Thus, the combined average flow of these two tributaries
will be reduced from 22.1 mgd prior to mining, to 14.9 mgd during
mining.  This reduction in flow will decrease the discharge into
the Manatee reservoir by  approximately 9%.

Flow reductions for the Little Manatee River and the Myakka River
will be significantly less and for a shorter duration (18 months)
due to their smaller areas within the Duette property and due
to the absence of water retention facilities or a process plant
within those areas.

The majority of the water which enters the streams on the Swift
property as base flow comes from ground water stored in the
surficial aquifer within  an approximately  2000 foot wide zone
adjacent to the streams.  Since mining is  not planned within this
zone, except for a three  quarter mile segment of the East Fork
Manatee River which will  be rechanneled prior to its being mined,
mining will have a minimal effect on base  flow.  It is estimated
                               80

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 that  the reduction  in base flow resulting from mining will
 decrease the  average  flow of  the East  and North Forks Manatee
 River  where they exit the property by  1.0% and 1.5%
 respect i ve1y.

 The major  drainage  courses on the mine site will  be left
 undisturbed by  the  mining operation, except for a small  segment
 of  the East Fork Manatee  River.   Reclamation will therefore deal
 primarily with  the  restoration  of minor  drainage  conveyances
 which  channel water into  the  major watercourses.   Drainage
 divides  will  be  created by the  placement  and contouring  of
 tailings areas  so as  to re-establish the  area of  existing
 watersheds.

 Analysis of daily rainfall  records in  conjunction with the
 U.S. Soil Conservation Service  runoff  curve numbers for  the
 hydrologic  soil-cover  complexes  on the Swift property prior to
 development and  after  reclamation indicates that  runoff  from  the
 reclaimed property  will be decreased by  two to three  inches per
 year.  This decrease  is the result  of  increased impoundments  in
 lakes  and marshes and  the sand/clay mix  land fills.   After
 reclamation,  the  average  flows  of  the  East  and North  Forks
Manatee  River where they  exit the Swift  property  will  be  reduced
 approximately 0.7 mgd  and 0.6 mgd respectively to values  of 12.2
mgd and  8.6 mgd.  Although  the  amount  of  water detained on  site
 during rainfall  events will increase,  peak  flows  will  remain
 essentially unchanged.

Mitigating  Measures

The reduction of  surface  runoff  by construction and operation
of mined out  pits and  other water  retention structures will be
mitigated by  the  reclamation  of  the mined lands to  the
 topographical land  forms  which existed prior  to mining.   This
 reduction of  runoff offers  the  benefit of  reducing  flood  peak
d i s char ges.

With the exception  of  a small segment  of  the  East Fork of the
Manatee  River, the major  drainage  courses of  the mine  site  will
 be left  undisturbed.

During peak stream  flow periods  a  variable  portion  of  the
discharge of  the East Fork Manatee  River  will  be  diverted through
an off-channel weir to a  surface  water reservoir.   The use  of
this surface water  retention basin  will result  in a reduction
of the ground-water requirement  by  3 mgd.


*.10  SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Baseli ne

Introduction - The  proposed Swift Duette Mine  contains portions
of three major river basins and four watersheds including the
North and East Forks of the Manatee River,  the  South Fork of
the Little Manatee River,  and  the Myakka River.  Fairly extensive
wetlands  border  the  streams traversing the  proposed site;
                                81

-------
however, land uses at the mine site are primarily agricultural.
Pollutant loadings of streams in the area arise almost
exclusively from non-point, agricultural sources.  There are
presently no industrial or municipal point sources of water
pollutants upstream or in the inrmediate vicinity of the proposed
mi ne site.

Surface water quality is generally subject to daily as well as
seasonal variation.  It is closely related to stream discharge
rates which are highly variable in streams on the site.
Significant negative correlations of water quality parameters
with flow occurs for alkalinity, sodium, sulfate, chloride, and
fluoride; hence, as flow increases, the dissolved solids
concentration decreases.

Because the great majority of proposed mine site lies within
the Manatee River drainage basin, this water quality
investigation (and others preceeding it) focused major attention
on the North and East Forks of the Manatee River which converge
and flow into Lake Manatee.  Water quality of the South Fork
Little Manatee River is examined in less detail since it drains
a relatively smaller areas, and there will be no intentional
interference with the stream by the proposed activity.

Lake Manatee is the primary potable water supply serving the
majority of the population in Manatee County and a significant
portion of Sarasota County (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
(TBRPC), 1978.  A study of water quality conditions in major
reservoirs (including Lake Manatee) in  the Tampa Bay region was
conducted as part of the Areawide Water Quality Management  (AWQM)
Plan (TBRPC, 1978).  That study concluded that water quality
in Lake Manatee as of 1975 was good.  Acceleration of the  natural
eutrophication by excessive nutrient loading was identified as
the major problem threatening the reservoir's watershed.   Runoff
from pastures and fertilized cropland  is recognized as the major
source of these nutrients.

Data were collected from seven different private and governmental
sources to assess the water quality baseline conditions and to
provide a basis for assessing long-term trends in water quality.
The map of surface water sampling stations  (Figure 4.10-1)
indicates locations where pertinent data were available and are
included in the water quality data base.

A sumnary of the pertinent physical, chemical, and
bacteriological parameters is given in  Table 4.10-A.  All  values
that do not conform to either State or  Federal standards are
i tali c i zed.
                                82

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        Table 4.10-A   Data Summary
oo
GO

PARAMETER
Dissolved Oxygen*


Turbidity (NTU)


Total Suspended
Solids

Color (PCU)


PH


Fluoride


Alkalinity, as CaC03


STATION NUMBER

Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
1
5.2
S.4
7.8
1.8
1.0
4.0
7
2
18
122
20
250
6.6
6.0
6.8
0.41
0.27
0.66
38
16
62
2
4.7
2.3
7.5
1.3
0.6
2.5
12
1
150
220
100
Z60
6.3
5.5
7.1
0.43
0.26
0.82
21
7
55
3
5.2
3.5
8.2
1.9
1.0
3.1
7
2
46
153
30
225
6.5
6.0
7.1
0.31
0.18
0.44
36
10
124
4
5.1
4.2
8.5
1.5
1.0
1.9
7
3
33
126
20
230
6.6
6.4
6.9
0.37
0.21
0.58
45
17
110
5
9.6
8.9
10.2
15.5
15.5
15.5
64
60
69

70
70
6.8
6.3
7.3
0.35
0.20
0.50

—

6
3.5
0.4
6.6
7.5
7.5
7.5
19
2
36

70
70
6.7
6.3
7.0
0.35
0.20
0.50

—

7
5.2
2.9
11.5
2.3
0.8
11.0
5
0
21

—

6.2
5.7
6.9
0.34
0.17
0.54

—

8 9
7.
7.3 4.
7.3 11.
4.
—
—
15
0
27
143
80
280
6.
6.6 6.
6.6 7.
0.
0.
0.
14
11
17

7
6
5
4
-
_






6
2
5
21
15
84



10
3.7
0.7
8.3
2.2
0.9
5.9
15
8
29
131
75
200
6.5
6.0
7.5
0.45
0.13
1.05

	

             * All units in miligrams per liter unless otherwise noted.


             Italicized numbers indicate variations with State and/or Federal water quality standards.

-------
       Table 4.10-A (Continued)
oo
	 	 	 — 	 — - STATION Nl
PARAMETER
Copper, as Cu

Iron, as Fe

Zinc, as Zn

Lead, as Pb

Nitrogen, as N
Total
Phosphorus, as P
Total
Total Nitrogen/Total
Phosphorus Ratio
BOD (5-day)


Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
1
<0.13
<0.01
0.3
1.2
0.0
4 2
<0.384
<0.01
1.05
<0.007
0.004
<0.01
0.96
0.23
4.21
0.43
0.24
0.76
2.70
0.60
14.0
1.4
0.3
4.0
2
<0.23
<0.1
1.2
1.7
0.2
3.6
0.08
0.01
0.14
0.016
0.013
0.020
0.72
0.38
0.94
0.50
0.28
0.86
1.72
0.44
2.49
1.2
0.3
2.9
3
0.22
<0.01
0.8
1.7
0.1
7.6
<0.018
<0.005
0.03
0.008
0.007
0.009
0.66
0.48
0.82
0.50
0.24
1.07
1.63
0.68
3.15
1.2
0.3
4.0
4
0.18
<0.01
0.7
1.6
0.0
8.4
1.08
0.07
2.10
0.222
0.006
0.438
1.24
0.34
4.77
0.43
0.24
0.77
3.30
0.56
14.9
1.0
0.4
2.2
5
<0.04
<0.02
0.07
0.27
0.20
0.34
0.018
0.005
0.030
0.018
0.008
0.028
3.95
1.69
6.21
0.20
0.13
0.27
18.0
13.0
23.0
8.0
2.0
16
JMBER
6
<0.03
<0.02
0.04
0.22
0.21
0.23
0.052
0.013
0.090
0.018
0.017
0.018
1.51
0.84
2.18
0.22
0.12
0.31
7.0
7.0
7.0
5.6
1.7
10

7








1.05
0.26
6.15
0.68
0.31
1.60
1.54
0.33
6.41
1.7
0.6
3.7

8
0
0
0.19
0.19
0.03
0.03
<0.01
<0.01
0.85
0.85
0.16
0.16
5.31
5.31
1.5
1.5

9 1

0
<0.013
0 <0.02
0.032 <0.02
0.25 0.14
0.10 0.08
0.45 0.20
0.03
0.01 0.10
0.10
0.0156
0.005
0.039
1.58
0.77
2.40
0.46
0.26
0.68
1.79
0.35
3.59
1.1
0.5
2.0
0.10
.007
.004
.010
1.02
0.42
1.63
0.48
0.43
0.53
2.29
0.79
3.79
2.2
1.0
6.0
             Italicized numbers indicate variations with State and/or Federal  water quality standards.

-------
         Figure  4.10-1   Surface Water  Sampling  Stations
Long-term and  Seasonal Trends  -
(Station 9)  data were used  to  e
trends  in the  upper Manatee River
                        Manatee County Health Department
                      evaluate long-term water quality
                          bas i n.
Kendall '
and Wolf
occur red
sol ids,
biochemi
fluori de
increasi
certai nt
i ncreas i
agr i cult
s distribution-free test for independence (Hollander
e, 1973)  was  used to determine if significant time trends
 in average annual concentrations of total dissolved
total  suspended solids,  turbidity,  dissolved oxygen,
cal oxygen demand, nitrate, ortho-phosphate, and
   Only in the case of nitrate could a time trend (either
ng or  decreasing) be established with 90% or greater
y.  The increasing trend of nitrate reflects the
ng influx of  nitrogen to the Manatee River from
ural  sources.
Existing Water Quality - A key aspect of  the water quality
baseline was an evaluation of the conformance of existing water
quality conditions with State of Florida  and Federal criteria.
The recently revised Chapter 17-3 of the  Florida Administrative
Code  (F.A.C.) -- Water Quality Standards  (effeetive March 1,
1979) contains three sets of surface water quality standards
which are applicable to waters affected by the proposed project:
(1) Section 17-3.061, General Criteria, (2) Section 17-3.091,
Class I-A Waters - Potable Water Supplies, and (3) Section  17-
3.121, Class III Waters - Recreation-Propagation, Management
of Fish and Wildlife.  Water quality data were also evaluated
with  respect to drinking water standards  in F.A.C.  Chapter  17-
22, Water Supplies.
                              85

-------
In addition to comparisons with State standards, variations with
the following Federal water quality criteria and effluent
limitations were examined.  The Federal criteria are:  (1)
NaT onal Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NIPDWR),
40 CFR  Ul  (2) U.S. EPA Quality Criteria for Water (1976),
"Redbook"   Like F.A.C. Chapter 17-22, the NIPDWR standards apply
only to finished water -- not to raw water sources.

The frequencies with which measured parameters at each station
vary with State and Federal water quality standards and effluent
limitations were itemized.  The more significant variations are
surrmarized in the following discussion.

Upper Manatee River Basin:  Fifty-six percent of the individual
dissolved oxygen (D.O.) determinations at Stations 1 through
k fell  below the State and Federal stream standard of 5.0 mg/1.
During  a strearn metaboli sm study (Biology and Ecology Resource
Document), D.O. levels as low as 0.05 mg/1 were measured.
Average BOD. levels at the on-site stations ranged from 1.0 to
1 4 --  too low to explain the depressed levels of dissolved
oxveen   The dependence of D.O. on water temperature and stream
velocity  (hence, reaeration) are the primary factors contributing
to the  seasonal variation in D.O. levels while the metabolism
of stream organisms accounts for most of the diurnal variation.

The on-site data are contrasted by an average D.O. concentration
of 7 7 mg/1 measured by the Manatee County Health Department
in Lake Manatee (Station  9), six miles downstream of the site.

Measured  turbidity  levels in the on-site were generally low.
On the  other hand,  the mean organic color values exceeded  the
maximum recommended  level  (75 Platinum-Cobalt Units, PCU)  for
potable water supplies at all four stations.  Complex organic
compounds originating  from decaying aquatic plants is the
probable  source of  the color.

Corresponding to the  low  turbidity levels, total suspended solids
 (TSS)  concentrations at stations on the North and East Forks
are normally low.   However, frequency analysis performed with
the  limited available  data  (Surface Water Quality Resource
Document)  indicated  that  TSS concentrations in the North Fork
may be  expected to  exceed 60 mg/1 6% of the time.  Further,  12.5%
of the  measured TSS  concentrations (3 of 24) exceeded 30 mg/1
while  the frequency  analysis predicted that 17% may be expected
exceed  that level.   The results of a  similar analysis performed
with TSS  data from  Stations 1 and 4 on the East Fork indicated
that the  30 mg/1 levels will on the average be exceeded  less
frequently in the East Fork -  1.4% of the time - than in the
North  Fork.

The analyses support  the  observation  that elevated TSS levels
comparable in magnitude to federal effluent limitations
applicable to phosphate mining operations occur with some
frequency  in surface waters on the^proposed site.

Water  in  the North  and East Forks  is  low in dissolved solids
and  characteristically soft as evidenced by the average  total
                                86

-------
hardness range of 41 to 65 mg/1 at on-site stations.  Variations
with the State's standard for alkalinity (20mg/l minimum) were
measured frequenty in the North Fork (8 of 20 determinations
were below 20 mg/1) and occasionally in the East Fork (2 of 17
below 20 mg/1).  Because of its importance in buffering pH
change, EPA (1976) recorrmends that alkalinity not be further
reduced in waters whose natural alkalinity is below 20 mg/1.

Values of pH below the State's minimum standard for Class III
waters (6.0) were measured only at Station 2 on the East Fork
where 17% of the pH determinations were below 6.0.  In spite
of these variations, the observed pH values appear to reflect
natural conditions in the East Fork.  Comparable values have
been measured  in watersheds adjacent to the Manatee River basin
(EPA, 1978).

Mean fluoride concentrations at Station 1 through 4 (0.30 to
0.40 mg/1) are typical of levels found in undisturbed streams
in west central Florida (EPA, 1978), but are above the levels
found in uncontaminated streams in other areas of Florida
(Ardaman and Associations, 1978).  Neither the State Class  I-A
(Public Water Supplies) nor NIPDWR standard for fluoride (1.5
and  1.4 mg/1,  respectively) was exceeded by any of the measured
concentrations.  However, the fluoride standard of 0.8 mg/1 in
F.A.C., Chapter 17-22 (Water Supplies) was occasionally exceeded
in measurements on and downstream of the site.  In spite of these
occasional variations in fluoride levels with the State's
finished drinking water standard, fluoride levels in treated
water delivered to Manatee County users have not been found to
exceed 0.8 mg/1.

Average measured concentrations of total phosphorus as P at
Stations 1 through 4 ranged from 0.43 to 0.50 mg/1, considerably
above the 0.070 mg/1 average of river waters worldwide
(Hutchinson, 1975).  These elevated levels are consistent with
phosphorus concentrations generally found in central Florida
streams (EPA, 1978).  Dissolution of natural phosphate-bearing
minerals and leachate and runoff from pastures and fertilized
croplands are the most likely sources of phosphorus (Ardaman
and Associates, 1978); however, the relative contribution from
each source is not easily determined from available data.  EPA
(1976) recognizes a number of naturally occuring phenomenon which
reduce the threat of phosphorus to lake eutrophication including
situations where nutrients other than phosphorus limit plant
g rowt h.

Average total nitrogen concentration at the four on-site stations
ranged from 0.66 mg/1 to 1.24 mg/1.  Measured concentrations
in the East Fork were on the average noticeably greater than
in the North Fork due primarily to occasionally elevated organic
nitrogen components at the East Fork stations.

While ordinarily prime determinants of aquatic plant growth,
nitrogen and phosphorus do not appear to limit primary
productivity over most stream courses on the site.  Light is
evidently the factor limiting aquatic plant growth on the site
due to the dense canopy of swamp forest overhanging the streams.
                              87

-------
 The few areas  that  lack the  forest  canopy support  dense growths
 of  benthic macrophytes.   Nitrogen may  become  operationally
 significant  as  a  limiting factor  in these areas.

 Average  total nitrogen  to total  phosphorus  ratios  at  stations
 in  the  upper Manatee  River  basin  ranged  from  1.63:1  on  the  East
 Fork  to  3.30:1  on the North  Fork.   These N:P  ratios  are
 substantially  lower than  the 23:1  ratio  characteristic  of  natural
 waters  in  general  (Hutchinson,  1944),  and more  importantly,  are
 below the  13:1  ratio  (of  organic  nitrogen to  total  phosphorus)
 which EPA  (1977)  employs  as  the  threshold for nitrogen  limited
 aquatic  systems.  Because nitrogen  is  in relatively  short  supply
 compared to  phosphorus,  nitrogen  is  potentially the  nutrient
 which limits primary  productivity  in the area's water except
 where productivity  is limited by  other factors  (e.g., light).

 The average N:P ratio at  the head  of Lake Manatee  is  comparable
 to  those in  tributary streams  on  the Duette Mine site and
 indicates  that  nitrogen  functions  as the limiting  nutrient.
 Therefore, changes  in nitrogen  loading of  the Lake potentially
 cause corresponding changes  in  primary productivity  and,  hence,
 eutrophication  rates.

 South Fork Little Manatee River:   Physical water quality
 parameters in the South Fork Little  Manatee River  exhibit  similar
 patterns to those in  the  North  and  East  Forks Manatee River.
 Stream discharge  rates  are highly  variable; however,  the  peak
 discharge at its  exit from the  Swift property is only a small
 fraction of discharge rates  in North and East Forks.  The water
 is  highly colored,  and  like  the North  and East  Forks, measured
 dissolved oxygen  concentrations were below the  5.0 mg/1  standard
 more  often than not.

 Four  measurements of  total suspended solids concentrations  at
 Stations 5 and  6  on the  site were  available for  the  data  base.
 However, the data suggest  that  elevated  TSS levels are  not
 uncommon in the segment of the  South Fork on  the site.

 With  the exception  of pH  none  of  the major cations and  anions,
 including fluoride  and  alkalinity,  varied with  the state
 standards for Class III waters.  Average pH at  the on-site
 stations was slightly above  the 6.0  minimum recorrmended  by  the
 State and EPA.

 The average total nitrogen concentration at Station  7 (1.05 mg/1 )
 agrees well with  the  values  observed in  the Manatee River basin.
 Also, the occasional  spikes  in nitrogen  concentration (6.15 mg/1
maximum) corresponds  to large  increases  in the  organic  nitrogen
 fraction -- the same  relationship exhibited in  the Manatee River
 data.  The average measured  total phosphorus concentration  in
 the South Prong watershed  (0.68 mg/1) was somewhat above  the
 average measured in the upper Manatee River basin.

 Sutrmary - Occasionally  large  and/or  frequent variations with
 State and Federal  water quality standards were  observed  in
measured concentrations of numerous  physical, chemical,  and
 bacteriological parameters in both the upper Manatee and South

-------
Fork Little Manatee River basins.  For the most part, these
variations appear to reflect natural conditions in these waters.
Furthermore, the quality of the water has permitted the
development and maintenance of moderately dense and diverse
faunal communities in the streams (Biology and Ecology Resource
Document).  While the two river basins are noticeably dissimilar
in terms of their periphyton and macroinvertebrate community
structures, both systems are characterized by "clean" water
conditions and are detrital based.

Impact

Composition of Discharges from Duette Mine - Discharges to
Streams leaving the proposed mine site from the plant water
system are necessary at certain times of the year due to
considerable temporal variation in the region's rainfall
distribution (Swift Agricultural Chemicals Corporation, 1978,
1979).  For 59 days during August and September of an average
rainfall year, 1.959 million gallons per day (mgd)will be
discharged from the mining, reclamation, and plant site in the
southeast  portion of the property.  The discharge will be  through
point 002  into the East Fork of the Manatee River (Figure  4.10-
2).   Effluent will be discharged  for 90 days during August,
September, and October of the average rainfall year to the North
Fork  from  the clay settling area  through point 003 at a rate
of  1.773 mgd.

The composition of effluents from both dicharge points will be
similar to the effluent from Swift Agricultural Chemicals
Corporation's Silver City mine.   Since caustic soda and slaked
1 irne  will  normally be used as neutralizing agents in  the proposed
facility  in  lieu of the arrmon i a used at Silver City,  the arrmonia
and total  nitrogen concentrations will be  less than those
observed  in  the Silver City effluent.  For the purposes of this
impact  evaluation  the arrmonia concentration in the mine effluent
may be  assumed  less than the background arrmon i a levels  in  the
East  Fork  Manatee River  (0.29 milligrams per  liter) owing  to
dilutional  effects of well water  additions.   It follows that
related nitrogenous compounds would  be  similarly  decreased.

Flotation  reagents are  used  in  dilute  quantities  (Swift
Agricultural Chemicals Corporation,  1978)  to  separate phosphate
rock  from  sand  particles in  the  flotation  circuits.   These
reagents  are selected because of  their  property to preferentially
adhere  to  phosphate or  sand  particles  and  achieve separation
of  the  two materials.  All  reagents  have preferential  affinities
for clay  particles; hence,  the  flotation  feed  is  careful1y washed
to  remove  all possible  traces of  clay.  Flotation circuits in
new plant  designs  seek  to minimize  reagent use to levels  not
appreciably  exceeding the  quantities  that  adhere  to  the product
leaving the  flotation circuit.   Inasmuch as waters discharged
from  the  flotation circuit  join with waters containing  clays
from  other plant  operations,  e.g.,  washing, further  opportunity
is  provided  for  residual reagent  to  form  physiochemical
attachment to clay  particles.   Thus  the concentrations  of  these
substances are  expected  to  be  substantially less  than reflected
by  the  dilution  ratios  referenced above.
                                89

-------
          R 21 E R 22 E
                                        LECEND
                                         7^- SITES FOB WATER OU»UTr MONITORING
FIGURE : 4.10-2
   DISCHARGE    POINTS    AND
WATER   QUALITY    MONITORING
             STATIONS
SOURCE . ZELLARS - WILLIAMS  , INC.
U.S.  EPA - REGION  IV
DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT  STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY  ,  FLORIDA

-------
 The chemicals used in the flotation process are fatty acids,
 fuel  oil,  sodium hydroxide,  dilute sulfuric acid,  straight-chain
 amines and kerosines.  These chemicals will form relatively
 insoluble  complexes,  precipitates and/or exhibit non-refractory
 characteristics in the environment, i.e., chemically degrades
 to simple  compounds or molecules.

 Comparison of Discharges with Effluent Limitations and
 Gu i de1i nes -  Of the numerous water quality parameters
 investigated  in the impact analysis,  the nine listed in Table
 4. 10-B will  be regulated under conditions of the NPDES permit
 application  for the proposed mine.  Expected 30 day average
 and  daily  maximum concentrations  are  given in Table 4.10-B as
 they  appear  in the NPDES permit application (Surface Water
 Quality  Resource Document ,  Appendix  B).  Historical discharge
 data  from  Swift's Silver City Mine, results of Silver City Mine
 comprehensive effluent analysis,  and  EPA's effluent  guidelines
 applied  to other mining operations in the area were taken into
 account  in developing the expected discharge levels  from the
 Duette Mine.

 Table 4.10-B   NPDES Permit Application Effluent Limitation

                                ExpectedExpected
 Parameter	30-Day Average	Dai ly  Maximum
pH 0
Temperature (winter), F
Temperature (surrmer), F
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(5-day), rng/ 1
Total Suspended Solids, mg/ 1
Specific Conductance,
mhos /crn (9 25 C
Copper, mg/ 1
Oil and Grease, mg/ i
Total Phosphorus as P, mg/ 1

55
90

2.9
30

	
0.01
5
3.0
6.0-9.0
	
	

	
60
500-1000
(m i n . - ma x . )
	
	
9.0
EPA  has  established  limits  for  allowable  30-day  average  and  daily
maximum  levels of  total suspended  solids  (TSS) and  total
phosphorus, and  recommended  limits on  total  fluorides  (5.0mg/l
30-day average and  10.0mg/l dai1y maximum)  in the  proposed mine
effluent.  The limitations  are  typical of permitted mines  in
the  area, and represent concentrations which may be exceeded,
albeit infrequently  in the Duette Mine effluent.  Results  of
long-term effluent monitoring at Swift's  Silver City Mine, which
is representative of the effluent  from the proposed mine with
regard to these  parameters, suggest that  EPA's guidelines  for
fluoride and TSS would rarely be exceeded during the life  of
the mi ne.

On the basis of  Silver City Mine measurements, the expected 30-
day average phosphorus concentration in the Duette Mine effluent
may be expected  to exceed the 3 mg/1 effluent limitation at a
frequency of about 14%.  The daily maximum limitation of 9 mg/1
                                 91

-------
may expectedly be exceeded at a frequency of approximately 5%.

The expected daily minimum pH of 6.0 is in accordance with EPA's
effluent limitation guideline applicable to phosphate rock froth
flotation operations in general (40 CFR 436.182).  One of 61
measurements of pH  in the Silver City Mine data exceeded 9.0
giving an expected  frequency of exceedance of 1.6%.

The expected 30 day average and/or daily maximum levels of BOD,
specific conductance, oil and grease, and copper were developed
primarily from the  August, 1978 comprehensive analysis of the
Silver City Mine effluent (Surface Water Quality Resource
Document) with tolerances added to allow for the expected
variability in effluent composition.

Swift will regularly monitor effluent water quality at the
permitted points of discharge to assure compliance with NPDES
permit conditions.

Florida Department  of Environmental Regulation effluent
limitations for phosphate rock mining and processing (F.A.C.
17-6, effective October 1, 1977) are more stringent than the
federal guidelines  with respect to TSS and total phosphorus;
however, the limitations of pH are identical.  Whereas, the
state's 30-day average phosphorus  limitation of 3 mg/1 is the
same as the federal guideline, the allowable daily maximum of
5 mg/1 is approximately one-half of the limit set by EPA for
the proposed mine.  The state's daily maximum limitation was
exceeded in only two of sixty-one  separate determinations of
total phosphorus in the Silver City Mine effluent.

On the basis of the Silver City results the state's 30 day
average TSS limitation of 12 mg/1  and daily maximum limitation
of 25 mg/1 may be expected to be exceeded more frequently than
the corresponding federal guidelines (Surface Water Quality
Resource Document).

Comparison of Discharge Water Quality with Ambient Water
Quali ty Standards - Constituents of the plant discharge which
might potentially degrade the quality of the streams leaving
the site were determined through a preliminary screening
process.  The approach compares the expected concentrations of
constituents in the plant effluent with ambient state and federal
water quality standards.  The discharge of any constituent whose
concentration in the effluent is expected to be below the ambient
water quality standards cannot cause the standards to be exceeded
in the receiving streams (regardless of the quantity of the
discharge) and will not noticeably alter the water quality.
All parameters investigated in the surface water quality baseline
including physical  parameters, natural  ions, bacteriological
characteristics,  trace metals, nutrient composition, and organic
substances were screened in this manner.  The parameters were
evaluated in relation to the following ambient water quality
standards and criteria:  (1) F.A.C. Chapters 17-3 and 17-22
(Water Quality Standards and Public Water Supplies,
respectively);  (2) U.S. EPA Quality Criteria for Water (EPA 440/9-
76-023); (3) National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations
                               92

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 (40  CFR 141);  and  (4)  The  Central  Florida  Phosphate Industry
 Areawide Impact  Assessment Program.

 Of  the  forty-seven  parameters  investigated for  which standards
 exist,  fluoride  and  total  dissolved  solids (and the related
 parameter,  specific  conductance)  are the only parameters  whose
 concentration  in the effluent may  be expected to exceed ambient
 water  quality  standards  within  the limits  of  detectabi1ity of
 standard analytical  techniques.   These  parameters,  therefore,
 merited further  investigation.

 Predicted Mass Loadings  and Concentration  -  In  addition to
 fluoride and TDS the parameters,  total  phosphorus,  total
 nitrogen, Biochemical  Oxygen Demand  (BOD),  and  total  suspended
 solids  (TSS) were selected for  further  evaluation because of
 their potential  effects  on downstream water  supplies.  The
 effects  of  each  of  the six parameters was  evaluated by estimating
 mass  loadings  (Ibs/day)  and concentrations (mg/1)  in  both the
 North Fork  and East  Fork after  complete mixing  with the effluents
 from discharge points  003  and 002,  respectively.   Predictions
 were made for  the average  daily minimum and  average daily maximum
 stream  flow rates during the months  of discharge.   Average annual
 concentrations of parameters were  typically  used in the stream
 loading  computations.

 Mass  loading of  the  above  six parameters in  the mine  effluent
 were based  on  average  discharge rates during  a  normal rainfall
 year.   Loadings  of total nitrogen, BOD, and TSS were  computed
 for both  30-day  average  and  daily maximum  contaminant levels as
 given i n  Table 4.10-B.

 The predicted  total mass loadings  and resultant  parameter
 concentrations after mixing  are summarized  in Tables  4.10-C  (East
 Fork) and 4.10-D (North  Fork) and  compared with  the present
 cond i t i ons.

 East Fork of Manatee River

 Nutrients:  The  largest  increase  in  total  phosphorus  loading
 and resultant stream concentration (0.43 to 4.2 mg/1) is  expected
 to occur when the minimum  stream flow mixes with  effluent
 containing  the maximum expected phosphorus concentration  (Table
 4.10-C).  The elevated phosphorus  levels is expected  to have
minimal  effect on primary  productivity rates  in  the upper Manatee
River basin since naturally  occuring  phosphorus  in  the surface
waters  is relatively abundant in comparision  with the other major
 nutrient, nitrogen.   Hence,  phosphorus is  not expected to be
operationally significant  as a limiting factor as noted in the
 baseline discussion.

Biochemical  Oxygen  Demand:   A 0.8 mg/1 increase  in  BOD is
estimated at minimum stream  flow.   This  is  approximately one
standard deviation  from  the mean BOD5 value measured  just
downstream of  discharge point 002.  Hence,  under present  stream
conditions  it  is  not uncommon for  BOD5 levels to exceed the level
predicted with the  new mine.

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      Table 4.10-C  East Fork Manatee River, Mass Loadings and Concentrations after Mixing
Parameter
Total Nitrogen,
as N
Total Phosphorus,
as P:
Average
Maximum
Fluoride, as F:
Average
Maximum
Biochemical Oxygen
Demand, 5-day
Total Suspended
Solids:
Average
Maximum
Total Dissolved
Solids
Minimum Flow ~ '
Mass
1
Present
.51.7
17.9
17.5
41.7
292
6,170
Loadi ngs
bs/day
With
New Source
43.9
58
156
90.5
172
68.3
636
1,126
13,200
Concentration
mq/1 •
Present
1.2
0.43
0.42
1.0
7.0
'148
With
New Source
1.2
1.6
4.2
2.4
4.6
. 1.8
17
30
355
Maximum -F ow
Mass Loadings
Ibs/day
Present
2,070
717
367
1 ,670
11,700
128,600
With
New Source
2,035
748
846
490
521
1,670
11,870
12,360
135,500
Concentration
mg/1
Present
1.2
0.43
0.22
.1.0
7.0
77
Hi th
New Source
1.2
0.46
0.51
0.27
0.32
1.0
7.2
7.5.
82 .
10
-pa

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Table 4.10-D   North Fork Manatee River,  Mass  Loadings  and  Concentrations  after  Mixing

Parameter
Total Nitrogen,
as N
lotai rnospnorus,
as P:
Average
. 	 Maximum
Ruoridp a<; F-
Average
Maximum
Biochemical Oxygen
Demand, 5-day
lotai suspended
Solids:
Average
Maximum
Total Dissolved
Solids

Mass Loadings
bs/day
Present
17.6
13.3
•
8.3
32.0
187
3,360
witn
New Source
24.0
50.2
139
77.5
152
56.9
525
969
10,600
Concern
m
Present
0.66
0.50
0.31
1.2
7.0
126
tration
/I
With
New Source
0.91
1.9
5.3
2.9
5.7
2.1
20
37
402
Maximum
Mass Loadings
Ibs/dav
Present
732
555
344
1 ,330
7,760
139,800
With
New Source
737
590
679
413
487
1,350
8,092
8,535
147,000
MOW
Concentration
ma/1
Prpcpnf
0.66
0.50
0.31
1.2
7.0
126
With
new oUUrCc
0.66
0.53
n fii
0.37
n A.&
U . 44
1.2
7.3
7 7
132

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 Fluoride:   Under  conditions  of  average maximum daily  stream flow
 the  fluoride  concentration  in  the  East Fork  was  estimated  to
 increase  from the 0.22mg/l  background  level to  0.27mg/l  at
 the  average mine  effluent  loading  and to  0.32 mg/1  at  the  maximum
 effluent  loading.   Both  resultant  concentrations  are  well  within
 the  State's General  Criteria for fluoride  (10mg/l) applicable
 to Class  III  fresh waters  and meet,  as well, state  and federal
 criteria  for  drinking  water  supplies  (1.5  and 1. 4 mg/1 ,
 res pect i ve1y).

 At the  average minimum daily stream  flow  during  August  and
 September,  the fluoride  concentration after  mixing  will  remain
 within  the  state  General Criteria  for fluoride applicable  at
 the  poi nt of mi xing.

 At the  recommended maximum  effluent  fluoride level  of  10 mg/1
 and minimum stream flow, a  resultant fluoride level of  4.6 mg/1
 at the  point  of mixing could be expected  - less  than  half  of
 the  applicable ambient water quality standard.

 Taking  into account  the  substantial  dilution of  the elevated
 fluoride  concentration between  the point of  discharge  and  the
 head of  the reservoir, the  fluoride  concentration at  Station  10
 was  estimated at  1.7 mg/1, approximately  13% above  the  State's
 allowable of  1.5 mg/1  for Class I-A waters (Surface Water  Quality
 Resource Document).  Some reduction  in the estimated  1.7 mg/1
 concentration could  be expected by runoff  and base  flows to  the
 reservoir from the  substantial  area  downstream of Station  10.
 The  effect  of this  additional dilution would be  to  reduce  the
 fluoride  level at  the Manatee County water plant intake to within
 the  state's standard for public water supplies.

 Total Suspended Solids:  The difference in total suspended solids
 (TSS) concentrations with and without the new mine will be
 minimal at  high stream flow.  The background TSS frequency
 analysis  (Surface Water Quality Resource Document)  indicates
 that TSS  levels in  excess of 17 mg/1 - the concentration
 resulting from the  expected  30-day average effluent discharge
 - may be expected  in the natural stream 8% of  the time.  The
 same analysis indicated  that the predicted stream TSS
 concentration of  30 mg/1  resulting from the maximum effluent
 TSS concentration  of 60 mg/1 will on the average be exceeded
 1.4% of the time  under natural  stream conditions.  The  stream's
 present frequency of exposure to elevated TSS  levels is not
 expected to be appreciably altered by the infrequent occurrence
 of the hypothesized worst case discharge conditions.

 Total Dissolved Solids:  At minimum stream flow,  discharges from
 the mine will  result in a 140% increase in TDS concentration.
However, the maximum predicted  concentration   of 355 mg/1 is
within the  500 mg/1 monthly average standard   for Florida's Class
 I-A waters,  i.e.,  potable water supply.

At the average maximum stream flow dissolved   solids will increase
 by 6% over background levels.

North Fork of  Manatee River - The minimum average flow of the
                                 96

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 North Fork at  point of discharge 003 is approximately 64% of
 the minimum flow in the East Fork at discharge point 002.   Since
 the discharge  composition and flow rates from the two points
 are nearly the same,  the effect  of the  discharge on the water
 quality of the North  Fork is expected to be somewhat greater
 than the effect on  the East  Fork.  In spite of this difference,
 none of the State's water quality standards applicable to  the
 North Fork --  a Class III water  -- will be  exceeded over the
 investigated range  of stream flow conditions.

 Nutrients:  Under worst case conditions of  minimum stream  flow
 and maximum effluent  concentration the  estimated increase  in
 the phosphorus level  is 4.8  mg/1  at the point  of mixing.  While
 the projected  increase in phosphorus under  this  extreme condition
 is  substantial,  the predominant  role of nitrogen as the growth
 limiting nutrient minimizes  the  impact  of  the  phosphorus loading
 on  the  stream  water quality.

 At  the  maximum stream flow the estimated elevation in phosphorus
 concentration  will  be substantially less,  increasing by 6% over
 background at  the average effluent phosphorus  concentration and
 20% at  the maximum  concentration.

 Biochemical  Oxygen  Demand:   A 0.9 mg/1  increase  in the stream
 BOD,- concentration  is  predicted  for  the minimum  stream flow
 condition.   The resultant  concentration of  2.1 mg/1  is well
 within  the range of observed  BOD^ background  level  at  Station
 3 on the North Fork.   Virtually  no change in the BOD,-
 concentration  will  occur  at  the maximum stream flow.

 Fluoride:   At  minimum stream flow and average  effluent fluoride
 loading  the  fluoride  concentration is estimated  to increase  from
 0.31  to  2.9 mg/1.   At  the maximum effluent  fluoride loading,
 the  concentration in  the North Fork may  be  expected  to increase
 to  5.7 mg/1  at  the  point  of mixing.  Both resultant
 concentrations  remain within  the  allowable  10  mg/1  for  Class
 III  wa t e r s.

 Total Suspended Solids:  At  the  average minimum  stream flow,
 TSS  concentrations  after mixing  are  estimated  to  range  from  20
 mg/1  at  the  average effluent  TSS  loading up to 37  mg/1  at  the
maximum  discharge concentration.   While  the latter  value is
 considerably greater  than the average TSS concentration  of  12
mg/1  observed  in the North Fork at  its  exit from  the Swift
 property (Station 3, Figure  4.10-2),  it  is well within  the  range
 of  1  to  150 mg/1 measured at  Stations 2  and 3  on  the North Fork.
 TSS  levels  in  excess of 20 mg/1 are expected to  occur  on the
 average  about  23% of the  time in  the North Fork  under  natural
 conditions.  Hence,  the expected  average TSS loadings  from  the
mine will  not  result in abnormally high TSS levels  in  the river.

Total Dissolved Solids:  A substantial  increase  in  the TDS  level
 is  likely  under minimum stream flow conditions.  Nevertheless,
 the  predicted  resultant concentration of 402 mg/1  is well below
 the  1000 mg/1 maximum level allowed by the State's Class I-A
 (Public Water Supply)  standard and satisfies the 500 mg/1 monthly
 average  criteria as  well.
                               97

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 Hypothetical Failure of Clay Settling Area Embankment

 Introduction:   Evaluation of a hypothetical  failure of the clay
 settling area  embankment on the water quantity,  quality,  and
 biology of  the receiving waters and adjacent wetlands is
 sunrmarized  below beginning with a description of the event and
 a brief discussion of  its probability of  occurrence.

 The impact  analysis was predicated on a ground-level break in
 the settling area embankment at the end of the third year  of
 mining.  At that time,  the 480 acre settling area will be  filled
 to capacity with approximately 23 feet of  waste  clays covered
 with 2 feet of clarified water.  Two points  of failure were
 considered  separately  - one in the west wall of  the embankment
 in the vicinity of the  steepest slope between the settling area
 and the streambed of  the North Fork,  and  a second in the  south
 wall at the point nearest the East Fork.

 An estimate of the probability of  the embankment failure  (Ardaman
 and Associates,  Inc.,  1979) was based on  the average value for
 annual  risk of a modern dam failure (approximately 1 in 10,000)
 adjusted for hydrologic and structural conditions unique  to the
 proposed settling area.   The most  conrmon  causes  of dam failure
 - overtopping  during  large floods, subsurface erosion,
 earthslides, and earthquakes,  in order of  decreasing probability
 - are  all  less likely  to occur to  the proposed embankment  than
 to an  average  modern dam for the following reasons:   accurately
 predictable peak water  levels;  favorable  soil  and seismic
 conditions;  uniform embankment  and foundation section; and the
 rigorous design  and inspection requirements  of Chapter 17-9 of
 the Rules of the Florida Department of Environmental  Regulation.
 Cumulatively,  the above factors reduce the annual  risk of  failure
 to about one chance in  100,000 or  one-tenth  the  probability of
 a clear  water  dam failure.

 Water Quantity Impact:   The primary concern  with respect  to water
 quantity impact  is  the  potential  reduction in  safe reservoir
 yields  of Lake Manatee  and the  proposed Beker  reservoir.   The
 safe yield  of  Lake  Manatee before  and after  the  hypothetical
 waste  clay  spill  was evaluated  for the present minimum reservoir
 operating level  of  28 feet  Mean Sea Level  (MSL),  and  for the
 proposed minimum operating of  21 feet  MSL  (Ardaman and
 Associates,  Inc.,  1979).   In  its present condition,  the safe
 reservoir yields  for Lake Manatee  at  the 28  feet MSL  and 21  feet
 MSL  operating  levels are  29.7  and  34.2 million gallons  per  day
 (mgd),  respectively.

 The  reduction  in  safe yield was  predicted  for  two  levels of
 percent  solids in  the released  clays  -  18.2% and  23.6% - as
measured  in  samples of  thickened clay  from pilot  plant  runs  on
matrix  from  the  proposed  site.   Percentage reductions  in safe
 yield of Lake Manatee due  to  the spill  were  estimated  to range
 from 4-8% at the  21 feet  operating  level and  4-9%  at  the 28  feet
 1 evel .

 The  impact of  a  hypothetical failure  in the  south wall of  the
 embankment of  the proposed  Beker Reservoir on  the  East Fork,
                               98

-------
 Manatee River was similarly evaluated using an initial solids
 content of 18.2%.  The results indicated a probable reduction
 in safe reservoir yield of about 1%.

 Further conclusions  of the impact evaluation with respect to
 surface water hydrology are summarized below:

 o  Waste clay from the spill  will be  contained within the 100
    year floodplain of the Manatee River.

 o  The increased water level  in Lake  Manatee after  a hypothetical
    spill would be less than two feet  and would pose no danger to
    the dam,intake structures,  or spillway structure.

 o  Erosion of the clay waste  by rainfall runoff during the two-
    month period after a spill  while  vegetation is being re-
    established, will  result in increased suspended  solids
    loadings  of  approximately  700 ppm.   This  amount  will not  cause
    any significant  increase in sediment  load within the
    reservoi r.

 Water  Quality Impact:  Evaluation of  the impact of  the
 hypothetical  settling pond failure on  stream and  reservoir water
 quality was  subdivided into six areas  or phases of  potential
 impacts:   (1)  effects on  stream water  quality,  (2)  short-term
 effects on the  Lake Manatee Reservoir,  (3)  intermediate-term
 effects on the  reservoir,  (4)  long-term  effect,  (5)  impact on
 the Manatee County water  plant,  and  (6)  expected  radium-226
 levels  in  the  raw and finished water  supplies.

 Effects on Stream Water Quality - The  initial  effect  of a
 hypothetical  dam break on  either  the North Fork or  East Fork
 would  be a temporary  stoppage  of  flow  upstream of the  break  point
 (caused by waste  clays  effectively damning the  stream)  coupled
 with a  complete displacement of  downstream water  by  the advancing
 front  of waste  clays.   Extremely  turbid  conditions  immediately
 following  the  spill may be expected to render  the river
 temporarily uninhabitable  for  all  but  the most  tolerant  of
 organ i sms .

 Review  of  available U.S.G.S. water quality data in  the  Peace
 River following  the Cities  Service settling  pond  embankment
 failure  (December 3,  1971)  indicated that turbidity  levels were
 generally  higher  upstream  of the  spill than  downstream.  While
 the U.S.G.S.  sampling  events missed the  actual  peak  in  turbidity
which was  sufficient  to cause  extensive  fish kills  in  the  river,
 the data nevertheless  indicate  that average  turbidities were
 at  background levels within three to four months after  the
 spi 11.

Based on the available data, the  total phosphorus concentration
 downstream of the spill appeared  to have risen  slightly over
 background but  remained well below the average  phosphorus  level
upstream of the spill.

Short-term Impact on Reservoir- The short-term  impact  (i.e.,
within  days to weeks following the accident)  on the  Lake Manatee
                                99

-------
 Reservoir was  estimated  by assuming complete  and  instantaneous
 mixing of the  1,000 acre-feet of clear water  discharge  from  the
 clay  settling  area with  the minimum 6,920 acre-feet of  reservoir
 storage.

 Estimated concentrations of TSS, TDS, fluoride and total
 phosphorus were slightly to moderately greater than background
 levels in Lake Manatee;  butr in no case did a predicted
 concentration exceed the state standard for Class I-A waters.

 Intermediate-term Effects of Suspended Solids Loading of Lake
 Manatee- As in the case of the Cities Service Peace River spill,
 it is anticipated that the elevated total suspended solids
 loading in the river (as indicated by turbidity) would persist
 for several  months, gradually tapering off to the background
 levels as the exposed surface clays desiccated and vegetation
 re-establishes in the floodplain (Ardaman and Associates, Inc.,
 1979).  The TSS concentration in the Manatee River was estimated
 to increase by 730 mg/1 during the interim period.  The
 additional  sediment load over a two month period could deposit
 up to 60 acre-feet in the reservoir,  a small  amount relative
 to the remaining dead storage of 2,000 acre-feet (Ardaman and
 Associates,  Inc.,  1979).

 The concentration  of suspended solids  at  the  intake structure
 to the water  plant was  estimated using Stoke1s Law (American
 Water  Works  Assocation,  1971) and the  known  particle  size weight
 distribution  determined from  a  sample  of  waste clay from pilot
 plant  runs with the proposed  mine matrix  (Ardaman  and  Associates,
 Inc.,  1979a).   It  was  conservatively  estimated that  93% of  the
 suspended solid would  be  removed;  hence,  a maximum of  52 mg/1
 could  be  expected  to  enter  the  lowermost  water intake  structure.

 The above analytical  prediction  was  verified  through an
 independent,  empirical method  developed by Brune  (1953).

 Long-term Effects  of Dissolved Constituents- Following  the
 hypothetical  accident, water  entrained in  clays  deposited on
 the reservoir  bottom and  in the  riverbed will  slowly be  expelled
 into the  water  column as  the  clays consolidate.  Potential
 increases  in  concentrations of fluoride, TDS and phosphorus  in
 the lake  were examined.   The  predicted increase  in fluoride  level
 -0.004 mg/1 over the background  level  of  0.45 mg/1 - would have
 virtually no effect on  the quality of  the  water  supply.  The
 effect of other  constituents  dissolved in  the  expelled water
 would  be  equally insignificant due to  their substantial  dilution
 by  the relatively  large volume of natural  flow through the
 reservoir and water storage therein.

 Effects on Water Treatment Plant Capacity- The intermediate-term
 increase in TSS levels in the reservoir will  entail both
 beneficial and adverse effects with respect to the water plant's
 operation.  Because of the affinity between suspended inorganic
materials (such as clays) and organic compounds (EPA,  1967)(such
 as   color) some reduction in the background color levels may be
 expected.  On the other hand,  the higher  suspended solids
 concentration in the raw water would increase the quantity and
                              100

-------
 possibly  the  density  of  sludge.   An  increase  in  alum  dosage
 necessary  to maintain  effective  coagulation-flocculation  could
 also  be expected.   It  is  likely  that  the additional cost  of
 treating an intermediate  level of  suspended solids  (EPA,  1974)
 over  a two  to  three month  time span would  be moderate  compared
 to  the total  annual cost of  supplying  treated water to  the system
 users.

 The present sludge  disposal  facilities  are susceptible  to being
 overloaded  in  the event of a  sudden  increase  in  sludge  loading.
 Hence, the  increased  rate  of  sludge  production resulting  from
 a hypothetical embankment  failure might briefly  exceed  the
 present capacity of the drying beds  and lagoon.  Disposal  of
 the small  volume of addition  sludge  produced over a two to three
 month period would  therefore  require  some  expansion of  existing
 drying bed  and lagooning system.

 Effects on Radium-226  in Manatee River  and Reservoir- The
 evaluation of  changes  in radioactivity  levels in waters affected
 by  the hypothetical accident  focused  on radium-226, the most
 hazardous of  the several radioactive  species that are potentially
 involved in water contamination  (Radiological Environment
 Resource Document).  Because  of  the extreme insolubility  of
 radium-226  in water (Radiological Environment Resource Document),
 the potential  pathway  by which radium-226  might  enter the Lake
 Manatee reservoir is  in association with suspended clay
 particles.  Based on the maximum expected  radium-226
 concentration  in the waste clay  of 8  pCi/g (Radiological
 Environment Resource Document) and predicted TSS concentrations
 at  the head of the  reservoir  and at  the dam of 730 mg/1 and 52
 mg/1,  respectively, the corresponding suspended  solids components
 of  radium-226 were estimated  to  be 5.8  and 0.4 pCi/1
 respectively.  Conservatively taking  the background level as
 0.8 pCi/1, the total radium-226  concentration at the head of
 the reservoir  and at the dam  for a period  of several months
 following the  hypothetical embankment failure were estimated
 to be 6.6 and  1.2 pCi/1, respectively.  Hence, the State's radium-
 226 standard of 5.0 pCi/1  for Class  I-A waters would be slightly
 exceeded at the head of the  reservoir, but satisfied at the
 critical  point of water intake to the treatment  plant.

 Importantly, the treatment process itself   could  be expected to
 further reduce the radioactivity level.  As pointed out in the
 Radiological Environment Impact Resource Document "any treatment
 of waste waters for other water  quality parameters has an
 inherent  high efficiency for  radioactive species in the same
 wa t e r" .

 Biological  Effects:   Biological effects caused by clay wastes
 from the  hypothetical  spill will  be felt in the floodplain of
 the Manatee River,  in the wetlands associated with the river
 upstream from the spill site, and in the Lake Manatee Reservoir.

 Based  on  the effects of spoil placed on hydric swamps along the
 Apalachicola River  in  the Florida panhandle (Clewell and
McAninch,  1977),  the effect of the solids   on the Manatee River
 floodplain would  be to kill most  trees and severly stress many
                               101

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 of  the surviving trees.  The effects would be more severe if
 the spill  occurred in the growing season rather than in the
 dormant  season.

 Following  the spill  the new substrate would be available for
 revegetation.  Theoretically,  a swamp community resembling the
 present  natural  swamp would develop gradually through plant
 succession.   Whether  or not such development  would occur is
 speculative  because  there is no comparable site in the region
 which  has  undergone  such perturbation and  which has  been allowed
 to  undergo succession without  further disturbance for several
 decades.

 Since  much of the  land upstream from the site is  scheduled for
 mining,  the  effect of ponding  is mostly  inrmater i al .

 The spill  would  result in the  destruction  of  the  aquatic fauna
 of  the river.   Benthic organisms will  be buried;  other  organisms
 will suffocate  as  their gills  become clogged  by the  clays  and
 silt.  Few,  if  any,  organisms  will  survive.   Once the clays  have
 settled, the  river would begin to be recolonized  by  opportunistic
 species  able  to  adapt to the new conditions.   Species diversity
 would  be low  initially and  increase as vegetation became
 re-es tablis hed.

 The spill  would  cause an increase of  the water  level  in the
 reservoir  by  less  than two  feet.   This increase will  cause a
 minor  readjustment of hydric vegetational  zonation which will
 constitute a  negligible impact.   The  effect of  the spill on  the
 limnetic zone would  be a short-term reduction in  productivity
 while  turbid  conditions  persist.

 The  greatest  impact would be the destruction  of the  present
 littoral zone in the  upper  end  of  the  reservoir.  The rather
 extensive  vegetation,  consisting of  submersed and emergent
 aquatic plants would  be  destroyed.  A new  littoral zone  would
 be  created on the clays  which would  form the  new  substrate.
 From the angle of deposition,  it  is  likely  that the  new  littoral
 zone would be roughly  one-third  as  large in area  as  the  present
 littoral zone.  The reduction  in  littoral  zone  area would  reduce
 the  biologic  productivity of the  reservoir.

Mitigating Measures

The  following water treatment facilities and  design  features
of  the  proposed mine will serve  to mitigate the potential  impact
of mine discharges on  receiving waters:

   o Wastewaters from ore transportation,  washing, flotation,
      and waste disposal operations will  be recycled  to  the water
      recirculation system for  treatment  in the clay  settling
      area, thereby,  substantially reducing a potential source
      of  water polluti on.

   o The 480-acre clay settling area will  serve as an effective
      clarification facility, removing approximately 99.9% of
      the suspended clay solids.
                                102

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    o   Runoff  from active mining and reclamation areas,  roadways,
       and  the  benefication  plant  area will  be  routed to the
       recirculat ion  system  for  treatment.

    o   Domestic  sewage  generated during the  construction phase
       of  the mine will  be treated with chemical toilets.   Sewage
       generated  during  the  operating  phase  will be  treated in
       an  on-site  extended aeration treatment  plant.

 The following  steps  will  be taken to  prevent  the possibility
 of  a  settling  area failure  and  release of waste clay to the
 Manatee River:

    o   The  settling area  will  be designed  by an  experienced
       professional engineer  and be based  on a  thorough
       investigation  of  foundation and soil  conditions existing
       at  the proposed  construction site.

    o   The  rules of the Department of  Environmental Regulation
       for  the  design,  construction, inspection  and maintenance
       of  earthen  dams  promulgated under chapter 17-9, Florida
       Administrative Code will  be strictly  adhered to and
       complied with.   The proposed mining operation  will  also
       comply with  all  other  state and/or  local  ordinances
       concerning  retaining  dikes.

    o   The  construction of the initial  settling  area  will  be
       inspected daily  by  a  qualified  representative  of  the design
       engineer  to  ascertain  that  the  embankments, spillways,
       and  control  structures meet  the design specifications.
       Prior to  the introduction of  waste clay  into the  area,
       the  entire  structure  will  be thoroughly  inspected by the
       design engineer.

   o   The  settling area will  be visually  inspected each eight-
       hour shift  and will be  thoroughly inspected on a  weekly
       basis by operations personnel,  who have been instructed
       by the design engineer, regarding items to be  checked.

   o   A registered professional engineer, who  is experienced
       in the design, construction,  and maintenance of earthen
       dams will make annual   inspections of  the  dam systems.
       He will  also review on a monthly basis the reports of  the
       operation personnel.  A report  of his findings will  be
       submitted to the Florida  Department of Environmental
       Regulat i on.


 4.11   RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Baseli ne

The following  will attempt to describe the  background condition
of the natural  radiation environment  in the absence of  the
proposed mining facilities.   Specific  items to  be covered  include
the uranium series (particulari1y  radium-226 and radon-222),
radon   progeny,  terrestrial garrma  radiation,  airborne
                               103

-------
 radioactivity,  subsurface  profiles  of  radioactivity,  radium-226
 in surface waters,  and  radium-226  in ground waters.

 Primary apatite,  the most  common mineral  of the  phosphate
 group, contains only trace amounts  of  uranium, generally
 on the order  of a  few thousandths  or hundredths  of  one
 percent or about  four orders of magnitude  higher  than most
 other natural materials.   Thus, apatite  serves as a  natural
 concentrator  of uranium.  When submitted  to extensive marine
 reworking, the  uranium  content of  sedimentary apatites may
 be increased  to as much as 0.1%.

 The  uranium content of  the phosphate matrix of west  central
 Florida may average 120 ppm.   Individual  samples  of  selected
 strata may exceed  400 ppm  U.   The  radiological hazard of
 the  uranium ore is  associated with  individual isotopes and
 the  decay products.  The specific  activity of U-238  is
 0.33x10  pCi/g.

 The  Primary Drinking Water Regulation  - Radioactivity
 published by  EPA  in July 1976  limits the  total radium in
 water to 5 pCi/1.   Both radium-226  and radium-228 can
 contribute to this  5 pCi/1 limit.   Radium-228 is  the first
 daughter of the naturally  occurring thorium-232  series.
 In general, the world average  concentration of thorium in
 various igneous rocks,  limestones,  and sedimentary  rocks
 is about three  times that  of uranium (ppm  basis).  However,
 since thorium-232  has a specific activity, about  one-third
 that of uranium-238, the radioactivity of  the two
 radionuclides in many soils and rocks  is more nearly  1:1
 (pCi/g basis).  Specific data  on thorium-232 in  Florida
 phosphate associated media indicate the U/Th ratio  in terms
 of pCi/g per  pCi/g  to be about 100.  Thus, radium-228 in
 west central  Florida will  be undetectable  in most media.

 In the uranium-238  series, decay proceeds  serially  through
 13 intermediate radionuclides, called  daughters,  to  a stable
 endpoint of the element lead with  a mass number  of  206.
 A  condition of  equilibrium is  achieved if  the entire series
 is contained  in a  "sealed" location over a long  period of
 time.  In other words,  a geological sample containing 100
 pCi  of U-238 may also contain  100  pCi of Th-234,  100 pCi
 of Pa-234, 100  pCi  of U-234, and so on,  through  100  pCi of
 Po-210.  Equilibrium is maintained  only  if the materials
 are  und i s t ur bed.

 Radium-226 is of particular interest in  regard to human
 exposure.   Radium  is chemically similar  to calcium and
 replacement is  clearly demonstrated by the high  radium-226
 concentrations  found in the gypsum.  Radium,  like uranium, is
 ubiquitous in nature and is found  in almost every environmental
medi  a.

 The  radium-226  decay scheme equilibrium  is highly dependent
 upon the mobility of the radon-222, an inert  gas.  The four
 radionuclide  daughters of  radon-222 are known as  radon
 progeny (or daughters  of radon).    In the natural  unmined
                             104

-------
state, most of  the  radon-222  produced in a phosphate matrix
would not escape  the media.   Mining  and  beneficiation alters
the probability  that  radon-222  will  be able to diffuse from
the site at which  it was  created.

Subsurface Radioactivity  -  Since  the origin of the uranium
in the deposits  is  similar  to the  phosphate,  it should be
evident that the  concentration  of  uranium and  thus radium-226
should follow the  concentrations  of  phosphate:   a low
concentration in  the overburden and  a high concentration
in the matrix.  The actual  distribution  is slightly
different.
In the west central Florida mining  regions,  the radioactivity
is low at the surface,  increases  gradually,  and then more rapidly
with depth and  is most  concentrated in  or  just  above the matrix.
The profiles indicate a wide  variation  with  small  distances
within the matrix.  Figure 4.11-1 shows the  distribution of
radium-226 samples versus depth for core samples at  the Duette
site.  All uranium concentrations  (pCi/g)  were  approximately
equal to those of the radium-226.   The  radium-226 concentration
in Duette site  top soil averages  0.5 pCi/g or  about  same as the
west central Florida top  soil.
             0.0
                  2.0  4.0
                            Radium-226, pCi/g
                          6.0   8.0  10.0  12.0  14.0  16.0  18.0  20.0
           20.0 •
           40.0
           60.0
           80.0 •
• ' 1 1 	 1 — < 	 1 	 1 	 111)11
t \
t. xx
1 + -%
u+ + V_
1
• 1 + ~~--
'" * '
\ *
~- +
•^
-^ . +
-- t
/
/
/ _,
/
/
/ -*
/ *
\ "*" -V
1
1
I
v^
X
•N
^ 4-
X,
V
\
*x
^ +
-\
1 1 1 1 1 1 -T — T 1
-T- ^^
^~>N
*
T\
Approximate
Top Of x
Matrix \
-i- \
/
*
/
/
/
/
/
/
/ T
/ Approximate
' Bottom
/ Of Matrix
•'' 1
   Figure  4.11-1  Profile of Radioactivity at  the Duette  Site
                             105

-------
The overburden radium-226 data for the Duette site when
compared to the west central Florida data of Roessler et.al.
(1978)  indicates that the Duette site has about 40%  less
radioactivity.  Both the averages and upper ranges of individual
samples  indicate a matrix concentration of radium-226 at the
Duette  site that is much lower than the 26 pCi/g matrix of the
west central Florida mining district.

Since a major fraction of the gamma radiation level  in
Florida  is  related to the uranium series, gamma logs of wells
should  also reflect the radium-226 profile shown in  Figure
4.11-1.  The gamma well log from the Duette site is  shown
in Figure 4.11-2.  The garrma activity in Figure 4.11-2  (also
relative radium concentration) increases nearly linearly with
depth to approximately 35 feet where the rate sharply increases
as does  the phosphate level and then falls gradually to around
the 100-foot mark.  The mineable matrix at this core lies between
the 35-foot and the 90-foot levels.  Since the origin of the
matrix  is known to be linked to the Hawthorn Formation, the
entire Hawthorn strata, here approximately 300 feet  thick, would
be expected to also contain uranium and its daughters because
of its  geologic history.  The garrma log dramatically illustrates
th i s fact.

By the method of graphical  integration it is readily apparent
that the combination of both the overburden and the mineable
matrix  represents only 8.1% of the total activity  in the 1000-
foot column.  The remaining Hawthorn Formation from which the
matrix  was  derived, represents about 50% of the total
radioactivity within the 1000-foot column.  The relationship of
the deep aquifer radium and the high radioactivity in the total
Hawthorn is not understood, however, current levels  of  radium
in the  aquifer may be more  closely related to the  lower Hawthorn
than the matrix some 300 feet above.

Terrestrial Garrma Radiation - Table 4.11-A summarizes the
estimated average background doses to United States  citizens
from natural radiations and compares it to estimates from
other man-made sources.  The total annual dose to an average
United  States citizen is about 182 mrem/yr.  The largest
fraction (58%) is contributed by environmental sources.
The fraction of the environmental radiation dose of  interest
here is  the external terrestrial radiation.  This catagory
can be  enhanced by the technological activities of man, such
as the mining and processing of ores.
                                106

-------
              SURFACE
            OVERBURDEN
                                                         2
                                                         LLJ
                                                         O
                                                         cc
                                                         01
                                                         Q.
                                                         3


                                                         O
                                                         01
                                                         >
                                                         oc

                                                         O

                                                         oc
                                                         01
                                                         O
                                                         z
                                                         01
                                                         OC
                                                         Ol
                                                         O
                                                         oc
FIGURE :  4.11-2

  GAMMA - RAY     LOG     OF   A
     DEEP   WELL    ON    THE
           DUETTE    SITE
SOURCE .  DR.  E.  BOLCH
P.E.
U.S.   EPA  - REGION   IV

DRAFT   ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT   STATEMENT  FOR

SWIFT   AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS

CORPORATION

PROPOSED   DUETTE  MINE

MANATEE  COUNTY  ,  FLORIDA

-------
 Table  4.11-A   Average Doses  from Radiation  in  the United
               States in  1970

 Source                 mrem/year*     Source       mrem/year*

 Environmental                         Medical
  Natural                              Diagnostic      72
    Cosmic Rays             44         Radiopharma-
    Terrestrial Radiation              ceuticals        1
       External              40
       Internal              18        Miscellaneous   	3
  Global Fallout            4
  Nuclear Power             0.003     Grand Total      182

 *Field measurements are usually made  in units of yR/hr.
 For X- and gamma  radiation 1 yR/hr -  1 mrem/hr - 8.8
 mrem/yr.

 In  the continental United States, the external  background
 terrestrial radiation arises  primarily from  garrma ray
 emissions of  the thorium  series, the  uranium series and
 potassium-40; however, in Florida the contribution by  the
 uranium series accounts for a high percentage.  The overall
 average level in Florida  (41  to 55 mrem/yr)  is  lower than
 the national  average of 84 mrem/yr.

 A radiological survey of  the  terrestrial garrma  levels  on
 the site reveal that the  average total external gamma  level
 for the entire property (over 200 measurements) is
 approximately 5.1yR/hr, which can be  converted  to an annual
 exposure of 45 mrem.  Altered lands in west  central Florida
 have elevated garrma radiation levels:  sand  tailings -  11
 yR/hr, overburden  reclaimed land - 13yR/hr,  clay reclaimed
 lands  - 17yR/hr and debris  lands - 22yR/hr.

 Airborne Radioactivity - Airborne radioactivity over
 una1tered 1ands ar i ses from two major  sources.  Particulates
 containing the naturally  occurring radioactive materials
 such as the uranium series  become airborne as "dust".   The
 second source is the diffusion of the  gas radon-222 out of
 the soil surface.

 In general, national ambient  levels of gross beta activity
 in particulates range between 0.1 and  1.0 pCi/m .  Gross
 alpha measurements average one to two  orders of magnitude
 less.   Partridge et.al.  (1977) reported a sunrmary of an
 ambient air sampling network  for nonphosphate areas of  Polk
County.  The data  are compatible with  the national ambient
 levels given above.

Radon-222 is a natural constituent of  all air, but its
 concentration may  vary over  a wide range depending on  the
 radium content of  the upper  layers of  the earth and the
 prevailing meteorological  conditions.  Radon-222 content
of ambient air at  several  locations in Florida ranges  from
 0.02 pCi/1  in the  afternoon  to 0.3 pCi/1  in the morning hours
 (Williams et.al.  1965).
                           108

-------
Because of the wide variation  in hourly measurements of  radon-
222 in air due to atmospheric  conditions, radon-222 flux
measurements from the soil surface have been determined  to
be a valuable indicator of potential environmental impact.
The radon flux baseline level  (unaltered  lands) in west
central Florida is about 0.2 pCi /m s and  elevated levels
over various types of phosphate related lands are observed:
sand tailing - 0.7 pCi/m s, overburden reclaimed  lands -
1.5 pCi/m s, clay2reclaimed lands 1.6 pCi/m s, and debris
lands  - 4.2 pCi/m s.

Water Quali ty - Two water  regimes will be considered with
respect to radiological quality; surface waters and ground
waters.

Radium-226 in surface waters of the USA is generally low
(between 0.03 and 1.0 pCi/1).  This same  range is reflected
in the measurments reported for Florida surface waters.

Table  4.11-B contains a surrmary of surface water  radium-226
concentrations for the site and two downstream stations.
The dissolved radium values were less than 0.8 pCi/1 for
four out of the six of the on-site samples.

Table  4.11-B  Sumnary of Surface Water Radium-226 Concentration
              On Site and Off  Site.

Description Und
East Fork, Manatee River Entrance
East Fork, Manatee River Exit
North Park, Manatee River
Creek Crossing Rt . 39 West Side 1.
Small Stream, Middle of Track
North Fork, Manatee River Exit 0.
Manatee River at Lake Manatee
Manatee River at Bridge, S.R. 64
Unreclaimed Lake-31 sample, 61 deep
Unreclaimed Lake, Surface Sample
Unreclaimed Lake-12' deep
Old Colony Mine Pit, Surface Sample
Old Col ony Mi ne Pi t , 12' Sample
Old Colony Mine Pit, 24' Sample 1.
Settling Area, Agrico
Radium-226,
i sso 1 ved
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
1 + 1.1
<0.8
8 + 0.8
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
6 + 1.2
<0.8
pCi/1
Di ssol ved
<0.8
1.8 + 1. 1
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
2.4 + 1.0
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
<0.8
3.0 + 1. 1
1.2 + 1.1
<0.8
1.2 + 1.2
<0.8
The water management program will determine radiological
contamination during the mining phase, whereas the
reclamation plan with its on-site drainage system and
preventative measures against turbid runoff will determine
the long term impact.  It is important to recognize that
radium is highly insoluble in comparison to other water
quality parameters and measures to control other non-
radioactive contaminates is normally sufficient to limit
the impact of radium-226.
                              109

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A review of the literature and analysis of radium-226  in
groundwaters of west central Florida is presented by Kaufmann
and Bliss (1977).   They statistically analyzed available
radium data from 1966 and from 1973-1976 in three strata:
upper water table, Upper Floridan aquifer, and Lower Floridan
aquifer.  Each water resource was considered in three
geographic areas of west central Florida:  mined mineralized
areas, unmined mineralized areas, and non-mineralized  areas.
The basic data summary is shown  in Table 4.11-C.
Table 4. 11-C
          Summary Of Radium-226 Data In Central
          Floridan Aquifers
Aqui f er
Area Water Table Upper Floridan Lower Floridan
Descr i pt i on
Unmi ned
Mi ner a 1 i zed
Mi ned
Mi nera 1 i zed
Non-mi neral ized
(Control )
No.

23

12

NO
pCi/1*

0. 17

0.55

DATA
No.

5

10

3
pCi/1

2.30

1.6

5. 1
No. pCi/1

2k 2.0

16 1.96

14 1.4
Source:  After Kaufmann and Bliss, 1977
*  All data are geometric means of author's preferred data.
The mined area appears to have a higher radium-226 in the
water table aquifer, but statistical tests indicate no
s i gn i f i cant
    difference between the 0.17 and 0.55 pCi/1.
When the Upper and Lower Floridan aquifer data were
considered, mined areas and non-mined areas were all
approximately equal.  The comparison of non-mineralized data
versus the mining areas showed that the Floridan had higher
concentrations of radium-226 in the non-mineralized areas.
The Floridan aquifer showed significantly higher levels than
the water table aquifer.

Kaufmann and Bliss did not consider garrma logs of deep
wells.  Garrma logs to 1,000 feet show considerable
radioactivity in the Hawthorn Formation overlaying the
Floridan Aquifer.  The garrma logs strongly suggest that the
lower Hawthorn may itself be a source of radium-226 in the
Floridan Aquifer.  The literature values for radium
concentrations in ground waters appear to follow the same
pattern with depth as the deep garrma logs.

Because radium-226 is found in all subsurface strata at
various concentrations including some that are much higher
than the mined matrix, the identification of ground-water
contamination beyond natural causes and the determination
of its source is an exceedingly complex problem.
Surrmar y
foilows
- Baseline conditions at the proposed site are as
      Subsurface Radioactivity - Uranium and radium-226
                             110

-------
       measurements  confirm high activities  either  just
       above or  in top of  the matrix.  Overburden has
       concentrations of  radioactivity typical  of west
       central Florida, however, the Duette matrix  is deeper
       than  in most  current mines.  Uranium  and  radium-226
       continues  throughout the matrix and into  the Hawthorn
       and exceed  the matrix concentrations.

       Garrma logs  show high levels  at the  top of the matrix,
       some  continued higher radioactivity through  the
       Hawthorn  with a decrease within the Floridan
       Aquifer .

       The U/Th  ratio  in  subsurface strata  is much  greater
       than  the  national  average.   Thus,  radium-228  is  not
       considered  a  potential  contaminant.

     Matrix  Radioactivity - Radium-226 is  approximately
       5  to  8  pCi/g  or  less than one-third of  that  observed
       at  currently  operated mines  in west central  Florida.

     Ganma Radiation - The external ganrma radiation  is
       approximately 5.1  R/hr  over  unaltered 1ands  on  the
       site.   Typical  Florida  background  radiation  ranges
       f rom  4.7  to 6.3 R/hr.

     Airborne  Radioactivity -  The  agricultural  nature  of
        land  indicates  low airborne  particulate  activity:
        less  than 0.01  pCi/m3  gross  beta,  and less  than  0.001
       pCi/g for specific long lived  radionuclides  such
       as  Uranium-238, Thorium-230, Radium-226,  etc.

       Ambient levels  of  radon-222  are expected to  be  less
        than  0.1  pCi/1.

       The  surface flux  of radon-222  on  |he  unaltered  site
        is  expected to  not exceed  1  pCi/m s.

      Surface Water Radioactivity  -  Radium-226 levels are
        between less  than  0.8  to 2.4 and  normally less  than
        1  pCi/1.   These values  are  higher  than the  national
        average,  but  comparable to  other  surface water  in
        unmi ned areas of  Florida; Uranium and Radium-228
        concentrations  in  surface waters  are  below  normal
        detection limits.

      Ground  Water -  Radium-226 levels are between  less  than
        0.8 and 6 and normally  less  than  3 pCi/1 in  important
        aquifers.  Concentration appears  to be related  to
        depth and,  therefore,  to radium in the immediate
       media.   Poor  water quality,  especially Na+  (or  C1-),
       may enhance radium content.

Impact

The proposed  Duette mine  may alter  these  baseline conditions.
This section  will:  1)  describe the redistribution  of the
                                111

-------
radioactivity and  radiation,  2) propose potential contamination
and exposure pathways,  3)  predict or estimate the effects on man
or the environment,  4)  provide a comparative measure and
perspective, and 5)  substantiate the basis for any mitigative
rneas ures .
In the mining  process,  overburden must first
to gain access  to  the matrix.   Core analyses
radium-226 profile  in
than  1 pCi/g  near the
at the matrix  interface.
                             be s t r i pped
                             have shown the
     the  site  overburden to range from less
     surface  to  a  high  of  about 18 pCi/g
The matrix must  be  removed and slurried to a
washer/beneficiation  plant.   The complete process  and
distribution of  radioactivity for current practice  (Roessler
et al.,  1978)  is  compared to the Duette site  in Figure  4.11-
3.  The west central  Florida clays average about 4.5  pCi/g
for radium-226.   By  pilot plant studies with  the matrix,
the clays at the  proposed site range from 3.2 to 5.6 pCi/g
radium-226.  The  radium-226  in pebble from the site  is
approximately  one-half  of the average in the west  central
Florida  plants.   The  west central Florida tailings  now
average about  5  pCi/g,  while Duette pilot plant tailings
have a radium-226 concentration of 1 pCi/g.
                                         waste material
                                                  Overburden Spoil Piles
                                                  Current Mines: 0.5 - 7
    Current Mines
    T5 (26 - 50)
24 (21 ^
       Sand Tailings
Current Mines
5.2 (1.7 - 12)
                                        Duette
                                                       1 (0.8 - 1.4)
Figure 4.11-3  Comparison of  Radium in Current Central  Florida
               Products  and Wastes to Expected Values  at  the
               Duette  Site

A potential direct  impact of  mining and beneficiation  is
that of occupational  radiation exposures at either  the
dragline area or  beneficiation plant.  However,  Prince  (1977)
surveyed six west central Florida plants and  found
radiological impacts  to  operating personnel at mining  and
beneficiation processes  were  minimal.
                                112

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Potential occupational exposure hazards  to  be considered
at drying, storage, and shipping operations are garrma
radiation doses, exposure to radon progeny, and inhalation
of long-lived radionuclides.  Exposure locations  include
storage areas,  loading tunnels, dryer buildings and  rock
1oadi ng areas.

Prince  (1977) has studied the occupational  radiation
exposures in  these phases of the industry.  Wet rock storage
piles yielded the highest average gamma  radiation  level of
67pR/hr.  However, extremely small occupancy times made
individual annual exposures insignificant.

Prince's  results for airborne radon progeny hazards  indicated
the  rock  pile transfer tunnels, especially when unventi1ated,
to be the most  serious hazard.  The Duette operation,  having
both a  lower  radioactivity  concentration  in the stored
material  and  properly ventilated tunnels, should  not
experience adverse occupational exposures.

The existing  profiles of radioactivity with depth will  be
altered by the mining and subsequent  reclamation.  The  radium-
226  (and  uranium-238) concentration in the  post-mining
overburden can  be estimated to be 1.5 pCi/g.  Any  stored
topsoil to be replaced should have a  lower  radioactivity
(xO.5 pCi/g).   The two waste products, sand and clay,  when
combined  at a proposed 2.5:1 ratio will  have a final radium-226
concentration of 1.9 pCi/g.

The  reclamation plan calls  for 80% of the reclamation  to
be with this  sand clay mixture.  Another  13% will  be by
covering  sand tailings with two feet  of  overburden.  The
remaining 7%  of the reclaimed land will  be  the final clay
set t i ng area.

Alteration of Terrestrial Garrma Radiation - The redistributed
radioactivity in reclaimed  lands will alter the terrestrial
garrma radiation.  Table 4.11-D illustrates  the elevation
of garrma  radiation as a result of current mining.  However,
the  lower radioactivity at  the Duette site will not
experience the  degree of elevation of garrma radiation  that
has occurred  over various land types  in  Polk County.

The predicted impact has been estimated  by  consideration
of the  expected uranium, thorium, and potassium contents
of various post reclamation land types and  the equations
of Beck and de  Planque (1968).  No credit was taken  for any
low activity  topsoil or its shielding properties.  The
predicted total external garrma radiation  levels were 7.1
yR/hr for overburden reclaimed, 8.7yR/hr for the  sand/clay
mixture,  5.9yR/hr for tailings reclaimed, 13.8pR/hr  for clay
reclaimed and a weighted average for  the site of  8.8yR/hr.
                               113

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Table 4.11-D  Garrma Radiation Levels of Various Land Types
              in Fl or i da

                     —  NQ^ £-£Garrma Level,  yR/hr~~
Coun_t_y_ & Land Type	Sites	Geom. Mean	Range

Polk Co.
   Unaltered               9             5            *-7
   Unmined Radioactive
      Fill                 1             9             -
   Sand Tailings          11             H            6~16
   Al 1 Overburden
      Reclaimed           16             13            7-33
   Capped and Mixed
      Clays                6             17           11-2*
   Debris                  8             22           11-5*

Alachua Co.
   Unaltered               6              6            5-8
after Roessler, et. al.  1978

Airborne Radioactivity - Fugitive  dust  control  has  been
adequately addressed in  other  sections.  The  impact  of the
dryer emissions, however,  requires  further  consideration.
Offsite transport of the radioactivity  and  subsequent
potential radiation doses  to  the general public can  be
estimated by the use of  EPA computer  code:  AIREM (Martin,
et al.  197*).  AIREM is  a  computer  code for the calculation  of
doses to the general population due  to  atmospheric  emissions  of
radionuclides.  The input  data  and  requirements for  AIREM
calculations are presented in  the Radiological  Environment
Resource Document.  Ten  segments at  radii  of  100 meters  to  10
miles were used.

Dryer Emissions:  The  two  rock  dryers  proposed  for  the
facility will  utilize  cyclone  particulate  collectors and
wet  scrubber collection  devices.   The  scrubber  exhausts  will
discharge through stacks.

Dry  deposition at the  nearest  offsite  location  to the north
of the  plant would  add approximately  30 pCi/m  per  year  of
radium-226 to  the soil.  Since  topsoil  has  about 0.5 pCi/g
and  a density  of about  1.* g/cc, the  |irst  centimeter  of
soil will normally  contain 7000 pCi/m .

Lung dose calculations  indicated an  offsite dose for
continuous exposure of  0.* mrem/yr  one  mile north and at
Keentown some  2 miles  NNW  of  the plant  the  predicted lung
dose rate is 0.15 mrem/yr.  Neither  annual  dose at  these
offsite  locations can  be measured  within the  statistical
variation of natural background.

Radon Flux from Reel aimed  Lands:   Radon-222 flux from the
                             114

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soil  surface will be increased due to the redistribution
of radiurn-226 in the reclaimed lands.  Radon in the
atmosphere will  experience some elevated concentration due
to this increased surface flux.

The predicted radon flux values for various land types of
the post-reclamation ghase is as follows:  overburden  2
reclaimed -0.75  pCi/m s, sand/clay mixture - 0.84 pCi/m s,   2
tailing reclaimed - 0.46 pCi/m s,  clay sediments -21.04 pCi/m s
and the weighted average for the site - 0.80 pCi/m s.  Any
topsoil of lower activity added to any of these land types will
reduce these flux values.  The elevation of outdoor airborne
radon-226 from these fluxes will not be significant.

Reclaimed Land Use - The reclaimed lands will have different
radiological characteristics than the land before mining.
Two radiation exposure pathways appear to be most directly
related to reclamation and land use:  1) working level (WL)
elevation in residential structures; and 2) uptake of
radionuclides into agricultural products.

The impact of residential development must be considered,
whether for small numbers of homes in the in-mediate future
or significant numbers in the future.

Certain land parameters have been shown to predict indoor  radon
progeny in s1ab-on-grade constructed homes in west central
Florida (Roessler et al. 1978).  The predicted  indoor  radon
progeny levels by land type for the Duette site after  reclamation
are as follows:   overburden reclaimed -0.008 WL, sand/clay
reclaimed - 0.009 WL, tailings reclaimed - 0.006 WL, clay
sediments - 0.015 WL and the weighted average for the  site -
0.009 WL.  No credit was given for topsoil replacement in  the
calculat i ons.

If the final guidance (EPA, 1979) for reclaimed lands
suggests  an upper limit of predicted radon progeny in
siab-on-grade homes of 0.009 WL (normal background of  0.004
WL plus the uncertainty of 0.005 WL) then the Duette site
may have  to consider the return of topsoil to any residential
development site.  If clay settling areas are excluded for
structural reasons, then no reclaimed Duette site lands are
predicted to produce homes with radon progeny levels near
the 0.02 WL remedial action level (EPA,  1979).

Some 68%  of the  land is expected to be improved pasture and
a very small percentage  (less than 5%) may be used for citrus
and row crops.  The scientific literature contains little
information on the potential for crop uptake of radiurn-226.
Most literature data suffers from the lack of companion
information on other nutrients in the soil and  in the  crops.

The return of any low activity topsoil to reclaimed areas
will substantially reduce any potential  impact.  The most
important pathway to consider is the direct uptake by  row
crops grown on the reclaimed clay.  Here the radium-226
content is the highest and land will be suited  for this
                               115

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productive use.  Little is known about the behavior of radium-
226 uptake from this type of soil.  A very limited study
suggest that the excess availability of the major divalent
cations (Ca++ and Mg++ primarily) produce a discrimination
against uptake of Ra++ in the clay soils containing higher
than normal radiurn-226.

Since current fertilizer products such as TSP may contain
up to 32 pCi/g radiurn-226, the direct application of
fertilizer products to crops may be much more important than
direct uptake from the reclaimed soil being farmed.

Product Radioactivity - The offsite shipment will be 62 million
tons of phosphate rock at 21 and 31 pCi/g of radium-226 and
uranium.  The secondary impacts of these materials will depend
upon the location of any additional processing, the final product
and i ts end use.

Water Quali ty - Radioactivity represents one of many water
quality parameters.  Ground water and surface waters
represent  the two major pathways of transport to man and
each will be discussed separately.

The important guideline for radioactivity  in drinking water
is that the combined radium-226 and radium-228 shall not
exceed .5 pCi/1.  The EPA has established an effluent
guideline for the phosphate industry of 9  pCi/1 of  radium-
226.

Surface Water Quality:  A review of the various studies
related to the current phosphate mining indicate that  three
factors appear  to mitigate  the  impact of radioactivity upon
surface waters of the  phosphate district:  a) The critical nature
of water resources encourages a high degree of recycle of water
within the process systems, b) The important radioactive  species,
like radium-226, are extremely  insoluble under many environmental
conditions, and c) Any treatment of waste-waters for other water
quality parameters has an inherent high efficiency  for
radioactive species in the  same water.

Mills et al.,  (1977) have reviewed the  beneficiation process
with respect to  radioactivity in water.  Adjusting  their
findings and conclusions  to the  radioactivity of  the Duette
site, the  concentration of  radium-226 in the discharge from
the clay settling area is expected to be normally  <1 pCi/1.
The beneficiation process itself  is an  extreme opportunity
for leaching and should  lead to  fractionation of  the  radium-
226 from the minerals  if  radium-226 were not so  insoluble.
Surface water contamination in  runoff from reclaimed areas
is predicted to  yield  an equilibrium concentration  of  radium-
226 in contacted water of no greater  than  0.2  to  2  pCi/1.
These values would tend  to  be further diluted by  runoff  from
areas having less radium-226 in  the soil and by waters from
ot her sources.

Ground-water Quality:  An analysis of the  areawide  impact
statement  and other site  specific DRI's and EIS's  indicate that
                             116

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 radioactivity  is  not  normally  the  critical water  quality
 criteria.   Some of  the  same  conclusions  stated for  radioactivity
 in  surface  water  (recycle  uses,  species  insolubility, and high
 removal  efficiencies) are  just as  valid  for  reducing the
 potential for  ground-water contamination.

 The  areawide impact statement  for  the  industry (EPA, 1978)
 recommended that  recharge water  from the connector wells
 should meet recommended drinking water criteria chemically,
 bacteriologically,  and  radiological1y  at all times.  The
 radioactivity  levels  in the  shallow aquifer water at the
 Duette site should  be acceptable for recharge to  the Floridan
 aqu i f er.

 It  is important to  re-emphasize  that any existing radium-226
 in ground waters,  especially in  the Floridan aquifer, may
 have a variety of sources and  the most likely source is the
 naturally occurring radium-226 in  the  lower Hawthorn.  This
 fact also makes it  exceedingly difficult to "trace" radium-
 226  to its  source,  since nearly all materials and strata
 contain measureable quantities.

 Surrmary - The radiological impact of the proposed Duette
mine, its beneficiation process and other activities are
 as foilows:

       Matrix Radioactivity - Radium-226 (9 pCi/g) in the matrix,
         some forty feet below the surface, will  be mined and
         partitioned into waste clays  (4 pCi/g),  sand tailings
         (1  pCi/g),  product pebble (29 pCi/g) and product
         concentration (24 pCi/g).

       Subsurface  Radioactivity - Pre-mining radium-226 profiles
         (<1 pCi/g at  the surface to 18 pCi/g near the  matrix)
         will  be  altered to a reclaimed profile having  from
         between  1 and 4 pCi/g  nearly uniformly distributed with
         depth.

      Occupational  Exposures - The highest potential  for
         occupation  exposure  would  be in  loading  tunnels unless
         they  are  ventilated  and  occupancy  times  restricted.

      Terrestrial Gamma Radiation  - The  mean outdoor gamma
         radiation of  the  site  is expected  to increase  from 5.1
         vR/hr  to  8.8  yR/hr.

      Airborne Radioactivity - Dryer  and other airborne
         emissions are expected to  deposit  over half  of  the
         radioactivity within a radios  of 7.5 miles.
         The yearly  depositon (pCi/m  per year) beyond  one mile
         would  not increase the radioactivity of  the soil  to any
        measurable  degree.

         Lung dose calculations indicate  the  highest  dose  rate
         for continuous  exposure  to be  6  mrem/yr  at  500  meters
        west of the stack.   All  lung dose  rates  for  continuous
         exposure  beyond  1.5 miles  are  less  than  1 mrem/yr.
                                117

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         Radon flux from the soil  surfaces of the site are2
         expected to increase from a baseline of 0.2 pCi/m s  to
         less than 0.8 pCi/m s.

         Elevation of outdoor airborne radon-226 is not expected
         to be measurable.

       Land Use Criteria -  Residential development for the site
         is not expected within the in-mediate future.  For any
         homes that are constructed, the predicted indoor radon
         progeny (WL) could range from .005 WL  (tailings
         reclaimed) to 0.023 WL (clay settling areas).

         Agricultural development of the site is not predicted
         to pose any radiological impact from the limited soil-to-
         crop-to man food chain uptake.

       Surface Water Radioactivity - Surface water radium-226
         concentrations in  off-site environs may be elevated from
         natural levels of   0.8 pCi/1 to  2 pCi/1.  By
         comparison, the drinking water  standard for radium-226
         is 5 pCi/1 and the discharge guideline for the industry
         is 9 pCi/1.

       Ground-water Radioactivity - The ground-water radium-226
         concentratons at the site are less than those observed
         in non-mining regions.  Radium-226 in  ground waters
         appears to be associated with local subsurface
         envi ronment s.

         The connector wells for recharge of the Floridan aquifer
         represent a potential transport mechanism for
         radioactivity.  However, monitoring of the more basic
         water quality parameters should prevent contamination
         by radioactivity.

Mitigating Measures

Mining, Beneficiation, Storage, and Shipping -  Specific
rnitigative measures are not indicated for these processes.
The lower  radioactivity of  the matrix and subsequent products
reduces the concern for any occupational exposure, although
ventilation of transfer tunnels and limited occupancy  is
benef i ci a 1.

Drying and Airborne Emissions - Detailed computer analysis
of radioactivity emissions  and dispersion from  the dryer
facilities indicate no species controls because of
radiological hazards.  Reviews of the literature and other
environmental assessments indicate that adequate control
of other air quality criteria, such as particulate standards,
mitigates  the radiological  emissions  to acceptable levels.

Reclamation - The  proposed reclamation plans combined with
the deeper, lower  activity overburden and the smaller  level
of radioactivity in the primary waste products  (sand and
                             118

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 clay) appear to satisfactorily mitigate most of the post-
 reclamation radiological  conditions to acceptable levels.
 The sand-clay mix reclamation has acceptable radiological
 characteristics with respect to 1) alteration of terrestrial
 gamma radiation, 2)  changes in radon-222 flux from the soil
 surface,  3) airborne radon-222, 4) postulated radon progeny
 in any residential  homes,  5) agricultural uses or 6) return
 to natural  systems.

 All post  reclamation criteria for the radiological
 environment were estimated without returned topsoil.  The
 mining plans,  however,  suggests that approximately  2 feet
 of topsoil  may be returned to some of  the reclaimed areas.
 This  procedure is recormnended,  since expected guidance for
 construction of residential  homes may require near  background
 levels.   The final  clay settling  area when  returned to any
 land  use  will  be most  beneficially affected by returned
 topsoil.   The  3-4 feet  of  returned topsoil  recommended in
 the EPA Areawide EIS may have a high cost-benefit  ratio in
 this  region of lower matrix radioactivity.

 Surface Water  Quality  - No specific mitigative measures are
 recommended for the  radiological  quality of waters  released
 during the  operational  phase other than  meeting the 9  pCi/1
 effluent  guideline.  Water  quality data  of  other
 investigations  indicate that  non-radiological  parameters
 are the critical  discharge criteria.   The extremely high
 insolubility of  radium  results  in  its  high  efficiency  of
 removal when treatments are  applied to maintain the  chemical
 aspects of  discharge permits.

 Calculations  indicate  that  post-reelamation runoff  would
 not produce  radium-226  levels  in  surface  waters  significantly
 higher than  background  levels.

 Ground Water Quality -  The  connector wells  for  drainage
 appear to be the  critical  aspect  of  potential  ground-water
 contamination.  However, all  data  indicate  that  the  levels
 of  radium-226  in  the drainage water  are  lower  than  the  deeper
 aquifers.   Here again there  is  the  high  probability  that
 another chemical  parameter will be  the critical  agent
 necessary to monitor in order to  insure  that the drained
water meets  drinking water criteria.  Radium-226 is  not
expected to exceed the  5 pCi/1.

Conclus ions  -  In general,  no mitigative measures specific
 to  radiation appear  to  be necessary.  This  is, however,
pedicted upon the various mitigative measures designed  into
the non-radiological  aspects of the mine operation and
detailed in specific sections of this EIS.
                             119

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  it. 12   BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY

  Baseli ne

  The biological and ecological  characteristics  of  the  property
  are presented under  three major  headings  based on  vegetation
  as soci at i ons:

        o  Land - description of terrestrial  plant  and  animal
          conrmun i t i es

        o  Land/Water  Interface  -  description of plant  and animal
          cormnunities inhabiting  swamps and marshes

        o  Water - description of  aquatic plant and  animal
          conrmun i t i es

 Studies revealed four land connmuni t i es, three land-water
 interface cormnunities,  and three stream corrmun i t i es .  All
 communities showed some modifications from  logging, cattle
 grazing,  and/or  decreased frequency of fire.

 The system of community classification used is adapted from the
 classification of  forest cover types by the Society of American
 Foresters  (1954),  the classification of wetland vegetation by
 the U.S.  Fish <5c Wildlife Service  (Shaw & Fredine,  1956),  and
 the classification  of cover types in Florida by the Division
 of  State  Planning  (1976).   Figure 4.12-1 maps  existing vegetation
 connmuni t i es .

 Land  - The  existing  land communities  are  sand  pine scrub,
 longleaf  pine-xeric  oak,  xeric oak,  and longleaf  pine flatwoods.

 Sand  Pine  Scrub:   Two stands  of sand  pine  scrub comprise  73
 acres.  Typical  species  include sand  pine, rosemary,  staggerbush,
 chapman oak,  sand-live  oak, myrtle oak,  and tallow wood.
 Scattered  plants  typical  of  the longleaf  pine-xeric oak conrnunity
 are also  present,  including longleaf  pine  and  wiregrass.   The
 earlier literature on the  sand  pine  scrub  community stated  that
 these  two communities were  distinct.   Later  authors noted that
 the species of the sand  pine  scrub  community have invaded
 adjacent stands of longleaf  pine-xeric oak after  the  exclusion
 of  fire for an extended  period  (Nash,  1895;  Harper, 1915,  1921-
Mulvania, 1931; Kurz,  1942; Laessle,  1967).   It  is  presumed that
 the sand pine scrub community of  the  Swift property has expanded
 somewhat into adjacent areas of longleaf pine-xeric oak.

The sand pine scrub community occurs  on well drained,  sterile
 sands and is characterized  by an  overstory of  sand  pines  and
a dense or at least thickety type undergrowth of  shrubs with
coriaceous, evergreen leaves.   Species richness is  low,
particularly in relation to adjacent  longleaf pinelands,  and
grasses and forbs are sparse.

The sand pine scrub is less productive in  terms of  animal life
than other communities of the property.  Faunal food resources
are limited largely to acorns, pine seeds, fruits of the  tallow
                               120

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:34
                                                                                        ROW CROPS
                                                                                        XER1C OAK
                                                                                        STREAMS
                                                                                        CYPRESS
                                                                                        ORANGE GROVES
                                                                                     13 *•* PLATWOOOS
                                                                                        LONG LEAP PME - XERIC OAK
                                                                                        FRESHWATER MARSH
FIGURE ! 4.12-1
VEGETATION
SOURCE : CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS , INC.
U.S. EPA - REGION IV
DRAFT CNVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT STATEMENT FOR
SWIFT AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED DUETTE MINE
MANATEE COUNTY , FLORIDA

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  wood,  insects, and twigs.  The undergrowth provides some shelter
  to non-avian animals  (Poppleton et.al.,  1972).

  Animals  seen in the scrub were gopher tortoise,  six-line race
  runner,  armadillo,  ground dove,  blue jay,  and cattle esret.
  Several  areas  had been  rooted by feral  hogs.   The burrows of
  gopher  tortoises  are  known to provide shelter for other  animals
  which would otherwise be unable to survive the  arid habitat  of
  the  scrub  (Ernst  and  Barbour, 1972;  Hartman,  1976).   There  is
  probably little interaction  of consequence between the animals
  of  the scrub and  those  of  other  habitats.   The only animal
  directly utilized by  man in  the  scrub is  the  feral  hog.

  Longleaf Pine-Xeric Oak:   This  conrmunity  is represented  by one
  small 35 acre  stand.  The  overstory  consists  solely  of  longleaf
  pine with a  canopy  closure of  about  50-75%.   The  understorv
  consists primarily  of turkey  oak  and  sand-live oak.  The
  undergrowth  is  primarily of wi regrass and  other herbaceous
  species  including  golden-asters,  deer ' s- tongue,  gopher apple,
  polygonella, and wing-stem.   The  species  seen were  the same  as
  those in the xeric  oak  community.

  This community was  once widespread in peninsular Florida, but
  because of clear cutting of the pine, much of it has been
  converted into xeric oak community.  Pines have not become
  restocked mainly for lack of  a seed source.  Even with the
  availability of seed trees, restocking is  retarded because of
 !II^ f,Sr   g',uh5 recJuirement °f a fire irrmediately preceeding
 seedfall  for seedbed preparation, and the infrequency of
 tavorable moisture conditions (Wahlenberg, 1946).

 The fauna is treated under the Xeric Oak section  as the
 communities  are essentially the same f auni st i cal 1 y.

 Xeric Oak:   This community occupies a total of 518 acres  and
 is  dominated by sand-live oak and/or  turkey oak.   These small
 shrubby oaks  have  a  canopy closure of  about 50%.   Other woody
 growth  includes saw-palmetto,  fetterbush,  staggerbush,  Chapman
 oak,  tallow  wood,  and  scrub palmetto.  Wiregrass and many  other
 herbs form  the  rather  dense ground cover.   Longleaf pine  stumps
 were  common  throughout,  which  is  proof  that th! xer i ? SaV   P
 community was derived  secondarily  by  the  removal of  these  pines
          thltting't ™e t?*undancc  °f saw-palmetto and  fetterbush
          Jine fPla?wo°odStMS  —^^^  »™  been  cutover
Animals seen were gopher tortoise, scrub  jay, blue  jay, ground
dove, mourning dove, rufous-sided towhee, and armadillo.  The
corrrnunity does not have diverse fauna.  Perhaps the uniformity

                   1SCk °f 5°Ver f°r birds and lar§er mammT s"
                  Pauci*y of the fauna.  Animals that would be
exoec
n K §. c
s-d                            *-           -
                               122

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  habits and  should occur  in areas with  larger  sand-live  oaks  (Rand
  and Host, 1942; Lowery,  1974).

  Several species found  in the xeric oak scrub,  such as the old
  field mouse, gopher tortoise, and doves breed  both in the xeric
  oak as well as their habitats.  However, scrub jays nest in  xeric
  oak and sand pine scrub but nowhere else.   (Harrison, 1975).
  The amphibians breed in wet areas.

  Flatwoods animals may enter the oak scrub on an intermittent
  basis for food and shelter, and species characteristic of xeric
  oak may spend part of their time in other habitats.

 Animals occupying the xeric oak which are of potential use to
 man,  are the feral hog and mourning dove.

 Longleaf Pine Flatwoods:   The overstory consists  of an open stand
 of longleaf  pine  on the higher  sites  with intermixed slash pines
 on the lower,  wetter  sites.  Logging  has reduced  the canopy
 closure to less  than  10%.  This  community is present on 5,673
 acres  of the property.   Important  in  the dense undergrowth are
 gallberry,  saw-palmetto,  fetterbush,  wax-myrtle,  blueberry,
 runner oak,  wiregrass,  and many other herbaceous  species,
 particularly grasses  and  composites.   The flatwoods tend to be
 more  shrubby near  the marshes,  probably because of  increased
 moisture  and less  flammable conditions.

 Animal  species  seen  in  the  flatwoods  include the  feral  hog,
 mourning  dove,  bobwhite quail,  cottontail,  red fox,  opossum,
 and  deer,  all  of which  are  useful  to  man.   Other  animals that
 are  common  in  pine flatwoods  include  the  southern  toad,  tree
 frogs,  glass  lizard,  diamond  back  rattlsnake,  wild  turkey,  grey
 squirrel,  fox  squirrel, skunk,  cotton  rat,  least  shrew,  and
 harvest mouse  (Rand and Host,  1942; Poppleton  et  al.,  1972;
 Layne,  1974).  Loss of  the  pines on the property  reduced the
 habitat  for  aboreal species,  such  as  perching  birds,  tree froes,
 and squi rrels.

 Ruderal Vegetation:  Ruderal  vegetation occupies  2,258 acres
 where  land communities have been disturbed  by  intensive  land
 use, mainly  improved pastures, row croplands,  and citrus  groves,
 also roadsides, ditches,  and abandoned homesites.

 The more disturbed areas  contain a variety  of weedy plants.
 Intentionally introduced  species include orange, bahia grass,
 tomato, and watermelon.  The pasture  lands  have been improved
 to various degrees by land clearing and the  seeding of bahia.
 In many places the native vegetation has become partially re-
 established.

No non-domestic animals live or breed exclusively in ruderal
 areas.   Several  are seen commonly in such areas, though.  Among
 them are the black racer,  armadillo,  opossum, cotton rat, house
 rat,  and Norway rat.   The  red fox,  which was introduced widely
 in Florida,  is  often seen  in fields (Naggair, 1976a).   One was
 recorded dead on State Road 62 at Duette during the time of the
survey.   The  least  shrew primarily  inhabits  old broomsedge fields
                                 123

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 (Golley,  1962)  .   Birds seen commonly in ruderal  areas of the
 Swift  property  are the  kestrel,  cattle egret,  sandhill crane,
 corrmon crow,  meadow lark,  and killdeer.   Less  common species
 are  bobwhite  quail  and  mourning  dove.  Burrowing  owls  were seen
 on  an  adjacent  ruderal  site.   Many animals  breed  in ruderal
 habitats,  especially  small marrmals and ground-nesting  birds.
 The  ruderal  habitats  contain wildlife food  plants,  including
 cultivated  crops  like corn.   The exploitation  of  these food
 sources  by  animals of nearby natural  habitats  represents an
 interaction  betwen ruderal  and native cormnun i t i es .

 Land-Water  Interface  -  These communities are fresh  water swamp
 (1,219 acresT^f resh  water marsh (600 acres),  and cypress (18
 acres).

 Fresh  Water  Swamp:  Major  stream floodplains contain a densely
 forested  swamp  community.  The vegetation  is heterogeneous,
 reflecting  the  diversity of  habitat.   Broad  intergradations
 between  vegetational  extremes, though,  precludes  the recognition
 of more  than  one  swamp  community.

 Canopy closure  approaches  100% with Laurel oak the  most  dominant
 species,  followed  by  red maple and swamp tupelo.  Carolina ash
 is  important  for  its  high  density.  Stumps of  slash pine attest
 to  its greater  prevalence  in  the past.   The  natural  restocking
 of slash  pine appears to be  limited to  areas where  the canopy
 is broken and sunlight  reaches the ground.

 Plants of non-arboreal  species are rather sparse, owing  to the
 shade  from the  canopy.  Understory species include  blue  dogwood,
 American  hornbeam, Walter's  viburnum,  buttonbush, wax  myrtle,
 storax, and persimmon.  Shrubs are scattered or sometimes  form
 small  thickets, especially in  bayheads.  Epiphytes  are
 conspicuous and include two orchids,  Encyclia   tampens i s  and
Har r i sella  por recta  .

The  swamps of feeder  creeks are  characterized  by an  increase
of trees  having broad,  evergreen  leaves, particularly  sweetbay,
 swampbay, and loblolly  bay.  Other common plants are slash pine,
 viburnum, blueberry,  lizzard's tail,  and sphagnum moss .   In
Florida such  sites are  called  bayheads,  referring to the
predominance of bay trees in headwater sites.

Animals observed in the fresh water swamp are  the indigo snake,
 raccoon, feral hog, grey fox,  and  cotton mouse.  Other animals
expected are:  short-tailed shrew, marsh rabbit, river otter,
opossum,  grey squirrel,  bobcat,  long-tailed  weasel,  American
alligator, wood duck,  barred owl,  redbellied woodpecker,  blue-
grey gnatcatcher,  eastern bluebird, and others, including many
species of migratory birds  (Cowell et al., 1974).   Animals of
use to man include the feral  hog,  raccoon, opossum,  grey
squirrel,  grey fox, otter,  bobcat, marsh rabbit, wood  duck,
indigo snake,  and American  alligator.

Fresh Water Marsh:  Shallow temporary ponds with emergent marsh
vegetation are scattered throughout the property.   These ponds
are catch basins receiving  surface runoff during wet seasons
                                124

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  with maximum depths of 2 to 2.5 feet.   The water table drops
  just below the soil surface during the dry season in years with
  near-normal  rainfall,  except in the deepest portions where
  floating-leaved  aquatics grow.   Even these deep areas dry out
  in  years  of  subnormal  precipitation.

  The  marshes  exhibit vegetational  zonation  with respect to water
  depth.   The  deeper  water contains  St.  John's  wort;  creeping rush;
  mermaid weed;  floating hearts;  sphagnum moss;  species
  of  Ludwigia  and  Sagittaria  ;  pickerelweed;  and sawgrass.  The
  shallower  edges  support  coinwort,  spikerush,  broomsedge,  yellow-
  eyed grass,  pennywort,  and  many  others.   Small thickets  of shrubs
  are  scattered  about, mainly occupying  slightly elevated  spots
  within the marsh.   Between  marshes  there  is considerable
  variation  in dominance,  and to a much  lesser  extent,  species
  compos i t i on.

  Birds comprise the  largest  group of  vertebrates  utilizing the
 marshes.  Observed  were  the great  blue  heron,  little  blue heron,
  cattle egret,  green heron,  Louisiana heron, common  egret,  white
  ibis, wood stork, sand-hill crane, belted  kingfisher,  red-winged
  blackbird, brown-headed  cowbird, and pied-billed  grebe.   Other
  cornnon vertebrates  include mosquitofish, least  killifish,  golden
  topminnow, pygmy sunfish, leopard  frog, little grass  frog,  chorus
  frog, cricket frog,  mud  turtle,  musk turtle, American  alligator,
  rice rate, Florida water rat, and marsh rabbit.  Raccoons  are
  attracted to the abundant crayfish.  Feral  hogs root about  along
  the edges of the marshes.

 The marshes serve as breeding and feeding areas for numerous
 species.   Most  frogs and toads of the region breed in  flatwoods
 ponds and marshes (Conant,  1958; Cochran and Coin,  1970).   The
 larger wading birds  nest in trees but require  marshes for feeding
 areas (Harrison,  1975;  Reilly, 1968).  The red-winged blackbird,
 pied-billed grebe,  sandhill  crane,  and other birds nest in and
 near  the  marshes  Burleigh,  1958;  Harrison,   1975).  Useful  animals
 include  the raccoon, feral  hog,  and marsh  rabbit.  Animals that
 are  largely confined to other habitats  may depend on marshes
 for  water  in  dry  seasons.

 Cypress  Swamp:  A single 18  acre  cypress area  is comprised of
 an  interior  5.4 acre shallow marsh  surrounded  by an  overstory
 of  pond cypress.   The sparse understory consist of shrubs  and
 small  trees which grow  predominantly  on tops of rotting cypress
 stumps  just above the high water  mark.   Herbaceous growth  is
 abundant where  openings  in  the canopy allow light  to enter but
 elsewhere  scattered  plants of  marsh and serpent ferns  and  a dense
 floating mat  of liverworts persists.  A St.  John's wort,
 Triadenum  virginicum ,  heretofore unknown  from Manatee County,
 wasobserved.

 Birds and animals which spend  much  of their  time in  other
 habitats may  use  cypress  swamps for nesting, protection from
 predators, and as a  source of  water during  droughts.   Animals
 recorded include  pig frog, green anole,  southern  leopord frog,
mosquito fish,  red bellied woodpecker,  pileated woodpecker,  long
 sparrow,  bobcat,  cotton mouse, and fox  squirrel
                                125

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      ! - The property contains three stream segments:  East Fork
  Manatee River, North Fork Manatee River, and the Little Manatee
  River.   The streams are generally devoid of aquatic plants due
  to dense shade cast by the overhanging swamp forests.  A few
  areas that lack a dense canopy,  though, support growths of
  spatter dock,  evening primrose,  para grass, pondweed, alligator-
  weed, and  Ni tella  sp.  Interruptions in the canopy are often
  the result of  disturbance by man.
                                                              i s
 Stream Metabol ism:  Little submerged or emergent vegetation
 present and the lack of vegetation is reflected in low gross
 primary productivity.  Corrmun i t y respiration was also low.
 Respiration exceeded production indicating the stream system
 relies on an outside source of energy.   This conclusion is
 corroborated by the oxygen saturation data.  The dissolved oxygen
 level was always less than saturation i ndi cat i ng more organic
 matter is being consumed than produced  (Odum and Hoskin,  1958).

 Fifty-three periphyton taxa were identified with fourteen species
 accounting for about 90% of the total periphyton abundance
 Corrmunity characteristics  such as  density, biomass,  and species
 richness  indicated natural  spatial  and  temporal  variation,  while
 species  diversity  was  more uniform.

 The  two Manatee  River  segments  exhibited  a greater  species
 similarity to  each other  than to  the  Little Manatee River
 segment.   Lack of  marked  temporal  change  in the  periphyton
 corrmunity was  ecologically  significant  in  delineating the  Little
 Manatee River  segment.

 The  aquatic  environs at  the Duette Mine site  appears  to be  a
 detrital  based system  ( heterotrophi c ) .  Characteristics of  the
 periphyton community  (e.g.  dominance, density, species  richness
 etc.)  appear to  reflect the natural state  of  such a system.     '

 Benthos: As  previously  noted  the aquatic environment  is generally
 devoid of benthic macrophytes.  Benthic macroi nver tebrate
 communi ties  are  characterized by dominance  by few species,
 abundance of detrital feeders  (scavengers  and omnivores)
 abundance of "clean" water  species, moderate density  and'biomass,
 and high species richness and diversity.   Overall  the benthic
 corrniuni ties appear  to be characteristic of  "clean" (sensu Beck,
 1954; 1955) water conditions of a detrital based system
Substrate and seasonal  temperature differences do not  appear
 to alter  substantially the benthic corrmunity structure at  the
study area.
 nQ°rUnt!S:   ^  fiSu  P°Pulati°ns  are  typical  of  Barnett's
 (1972) Narrow Streamlet Habitat.  The  dominant  species  are
 spotted sunfish and  largemouth  bass.   Both fish are  predators
 the sunfish preying  on  small  fish and  invertebrates  while the'
 bass feeds on larger fish and invertebrates.  The  low density
 of smaller fishes is probably due to the  lack of cover  which
makes them more available to  the predators
                               126

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  jmpact_

  Table 4.12-A compares  the acreages of the present natural
  communities  and those  that will  survive mining operations or
  be  restored  by reclamation.

  Land  -  The direct  effect  of  mining will  be  the physical
  destruction  of  much  of  the present natural  vegetation by land
  clearing/mining activity.   The longleaf  pine-xeric oak corrmunity
  will  be eliminated on-site while  the  sand pine scrub  corrmunity,
  longleaf  pine-xeric  oak corrmunity,  and  longleaf  pine  flatwoods
  community will  be  partially  eliminated  (Table  4.12-A).   An
  overall 85%  loss of  native upland  vegetation  represents  the
 magnitude of mining  effects.

  Table 4. 12-A  Acreages  Before  Mining  and  After Reelamation(1)

Sand Pine Scrub (2)
Longleaf Pine-Xeric Oak
Xeri c Oak (2)
Longleaf Pine Flatwoods (2)
Fresh Water Swamp (3)
Fresh Water Marsh (4)
Cypress Swamp (2)
Improved Pasture
Row Crops
Orange Groves
Mixed Forest
Lakes
Abandoned Mining Operations
Present
Acreages
73
35
518
5,673
1,219
600
18
1,677
468
113
0
0
0
Acreages After
Reclamation
50
-S \J
o
\J
89
829
1 , 228
864
18
6,642
107
JL \J f
25
£. -S
58
-^ O
100
                                     10,394      10,394

    (1)  Data  from Swift  Agricultural  Chemical  Corp.   (1978-
        DRI/ADA No.  770861  and Addendum).

    (2)  Acreages  after  reclamation  represent  unmined lands  that
        still  contain  the  vegetation  present  before  the
        corrmencement of mining operations.

    (3)  476 acres  of natural  vegetation  lost,  mostly from along
        ofri?h!aFy  trS6kf ^a,nd  bavheads> als° from  along  4,000  flet
        of the  East Fork Manatee River which will  be mined.   Fifty-
        five acres will be  recreated  by planting  saplings of
        native  species at a density of 60 saplings per  Icre along
        the recreated East Fork Manatee River                    8
                + 0f nftural ^getation will be  lost from mining
       Some additional acreages will be disturbed or lost
       from construction of roads, railroads, pipelines
       powerlines,  and from the crossings of draglines.'

It is expected that these effects are largely long-term and
irreversible.   There are no known instancl of" theL upTan2
communities naturally re-establishing and fully recovering if
the soil  is radically disturbed.  Various authors have assumed
                                127

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  that these communities represent  serai  stages,  but  development
  of  these corrmuni ties  has  not  been  reported.   Some of  the  dominant
  species readily invade disturbed  sites  but  others  (e  e
  wiregrass) have negligible  reproductive  potentials    Reclamation
  is  designed to  replace most natural  land communities  with
  improved pasture,  thereby  largely  precluding  the r e-eTtabl i shment
          "'8     vegetation, even  if  it wer/bi ologi cal !y possTb?e
  to     so
  Not  all  sites  containing native upland communities will be

  Tn2e?;«,IJYr?antS °f Uf>Iand Yegetation wil1 Primar  y be small
  and  isolated between swamps and/or improved pastures.  Since
  the  natural upland vegetation is dependent on fire for its
  maintenance, and since fires will likely be excluded from the

  c™sm^eV7o7Stand Pastures? Prolonged fire supress^n wi 1 1
  constitute a long-term or even irreversible impact!,

  The  significance of mining will  be a substantial  loss of  natural
                                                                 .
 Animal  use is relatively low,  as  was  previously  noed?  Deer*
 fera  hogs,  and other  larger  animals  will move into  suitable'
 habitats  nearby during mining  operations.  Most  suitable habitats
                                                                *
 f™'    -           ngWc   s anta
 lorm of  recreation  in  the  region.  Mice  and other small animals
 will  be  less   ikely  to  escape  and will suffer major redu??ions
 in  their  populations.   Some  of  these  smaller speci es Hkel i wi I I
 adapt  to  the  habitats  created  by reclamation.             Y

 Some  acreages  containing natural corrmuni t i es are not scheduled
 for mining  but may be affected  by related activities   These
 activities  include the  "walking" of dragl i nes be ween mine s i tes
mitigative measures are proposed.             «»*non or otner
During mining, the ground-water table will  be lowered beneath
                     '"'-          «            -
                                            -
thereafter.   The magnitude  of  dewatering would  be  eau  valent

                               128

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 to plants.  Many animals would adjust by moving a short distance
 to adjacent areas where more mesic conditions prevailed.

 Levels of dust and other emissions will increase during mining
 operations.  Other than radioactive nuclides which are treated
 in another section, the only component of these emissions of
 potential impact to plants and animals is fluoride.   Fluoride
 varies in degree with the species, the fluoride concentration,
 and the chemical form of the fluoride.  Gaseous fluoride
 compounds may be generated during mining operations  in minor
 quantites from the dryers.  The high rainfall in the region will
 cleanse the vegetation of rock phosphate dust at frequent
 intervals, thereby reducing the potential  for fluoride toxicity.
 Studies in Polk County (Environmental  Protection Agency, 1978)
 showed that vegetative fluoride content varied with  the amount
 of rainfall,  demonstrating this cleansing effect.  After entering
 the soil,  fluorides are scarcely if at all  absorbed  by roots.
 Fluoride  emissions apparently will constitute a short-term,  low
 magnitude impact that  will  cease upon  the  completion of mining
 operations without residual  effects.

 Other  emissions,  including $©2 and radionuclides,  will  occur
 at such low levels as  to constitute no discernible impact  on
 the biota.

 Land-Water Interface  - Mining will destroy  476 acres of fresh
 water  swamps  and 364  acres  of  fresh water marshes.   The 18-acre
 cypress swamp  will  be  unaffected (Table 4.12-A).   Reclamatin
 is planned to  restore  these  acreages and  contribute  others  for
 a  net  gain of  15%.

 The regrowth of  fresh  water  swamps will  be  slow.   Several  decades
 of  tree growth  are  necessary  before a mature  forest  develops.
 Tree establishment  might  be  delayed in  places because  of
 unanticipated  problems  in  stabilizing  the substrate  of  the
 restored  flood  plain.   Full  stocking may be  delayed  because  of
 the  intangibles  associated with  the natural  dispersal of seeds
 and other  propagules from  undisturbed  flood  plains nearby.   The
 initial forest  cover likely will  resemble that  presently
 occurring  on the  flood  plains  of  the major  streams,  rather  than
 those of  bayheads.  Sweetbay,  swamp bay, and  other species that
 are more common  in  bayheads will  likely remain  relatively
 uncorrmon  until peaty acid substrates gradually  develop  along
 the minor  tributaries.

 Fresh water marsh  restoration  should be more  rapid.  Emergent
 and shallowly submerged aquatics  readily invade borrow  pits,
 clay settling ponds, and other newly created wet habitats in
 the region.  It is  likely that cattails will  become dominant,
 perhaps to the exclusion of all other emergent species.  This
effect  would occur in the littoral  zones of  newly created lakes
 but would be more pronounced in the swales and marshes  that will
be formed  by subsidence at the outlet  ends of sand-clay land
 fills.   Once established, dense growths of pure cattails may
persist indefinitely.   as long as water levels are seasonally
deep enough to exclude seedlings of willow,  buttonbush, and other
                                129

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  woody plants.


  Animal populations closely associated with the  shal low marshes
  wi 11 be reduced initially as  a result of mining,  corresponding
  with the on-going loss of habitat  and the  activity  inherent with
  TJn™gt°TatTS- ,As marsh  restoration will alsOy  be ongoing
  as part of land reclamation,  most  or  all of  these populations
  ^JVin/T^V; Pre-min!"g levels  upon the  recreation of
  wetlands habitats, assuming no interference  from  cattails.

  In summary,  the effect of  mining on marshes will be short-term
  ^M,regar?  *S thej;aPidity °f ™<-sh  re-establishment on
  mnJi aimed  lands;  Jhe  probability of  cattails predominating in
  much of  the  reclaimed  marshland may constitute a long-term

                                 With  re*ard to 'Pecifs diversity
 mavhn.tSi?n,iineS' r°ads' and other structures  that
 may  be  bu   t  across  15-20 acres of wetlands not scheduled for
 mining  will create a disruptive influence on the vegetation?
 These disturbances will be short-term in places and  long-term
 elsewhere.  Unlike in the uplands, swamp and marsh vegetation
 has  the  capacity to establish itself  readily after stable
 substrates  and suitable hydroperiods  are attained.
 beneathan^ih? d"ring actual  mining will  lower  the water table
 beneath nearby natural swamps and marshes  that  are not  scheduled

 a'timT'th^h'T CaU-f°r mining °ne  Side  °f  a  "oodp?ain at
 f™ H \ ^  f X, dePressinS wat«r  tables minimally.  Reclamation
 immediately following mining  will  allow the  restoration ™*ll°n
 previous ground-water levels.  During dewatering, the lowered

 d?o^httablThmay haVe thC  S3me GffeCt as a  Prolonged nauTa
 drought.  The vegetation  will be  stressed, especially if rainfall
 is subnormal  during the growing season.  Nonetheless, Jhese
 conditions  occur  naturally about  every two decades w thout lone
 term harm to  the  native vegetation.                witnout long-

          .h-.-f.-a;^-"--  thsh
 land or  land-water  interface vegetation except for ?he fresh
                                            P
 Trill  SWcTr;  Fjre-tender hardwoods could be ki 1 led over  wide
 areas.  Cypress  trees are f i re- tol erant and would  be unaffected
 unless a ground  fire develops in the peat.  The possibiHtv  of
 is unlikely in years of normal  rainfall.     l%nill°n  01  a  swamp
Water - Various mining activities will  result in the destruction,
                               130

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 alteration, and/or  restoration of aquatic habitats as well as
 the creation of new habitats.  Among the new habitats will be
 several  large  lakes, a type of habitat not presently existing
 in the vicinity of  the mine site.

 The direct impact of mining will be the complete destruction
 of some aquatic habitats, primarily small, intermittent
 tributaries.  The magnitude of this effect is measured by the
 loss of 417 acres of ephemeral feeder streams and their flood-
 plains.  In addition, plans call for mining of approximately
 4,000 ft. of the East Fork of the Manatee River, one of the major
 streams on-site.

 Mining of the streams will result in the destruction of many
 of the indigenous animals, although some,  especially the fishes,
 will  be able to flee to adjacent undisturbed areas.   Even so,
 this  does not  assure their survival.  Populations in the adjacent
 areas  are probably already at their carrying capacities and
 increases in their populations would be countered by increases
 in predation and disease and a decrease in reproduction.  When
 populations  had again stabilized,  the densities  of  animals would
 approximate  levels present prior  to mining.   Thus,  there would
 be a  net  decrease in numbers  proportional  to the decrease in
 habi tat.

 An indirect  effect of mining operations  will  result  from the
 projected short-term loss  of  adjacent  floodplain forest.   This
 will  result  in  a decrease  in  the  amount  of  detrital  input  to
 the aquatic  system.   The  streams  on  the  site  are highly
 heterotrophic.   Detritus  from the  fresh  water  swamps  is  an
 important  source of  energy to  the  streams,  the  reduction  of which
 will  result  in  a reduction in  the  carrying  capacity  downstream.
 Swift  proposed  restoring  the mined  section  of  the East Fork and
 430 acres of  the tributaries.   The  effect of  the restoration
 is  discussed  later.

 The streams will  be  crossed at  several points  by pipelines,
 permanent and temporary  roads,  power  lines, and  a railroad!
 The draglines will be "walked"  across  the streams several  times.
 These  activities not only  result in  the  destruction of small
 areas  (totaling  approximately  15-20  acres) but can also alter
 the character of the streams for considerable distances
 downstream.

 One effect of these  activities near  and across the streams is
 to  open the flood  plain forest canopy, allowing more sunlight
 to  reach the water.  At the present  time, the shade from the
 forest canopy severely limits the growth of aquatic plants.
Where breaks in  the canopy now occur, there are dense growths
 of emergent and submerged macrophytes, especially alligator weed,
Al ternanthera philoxeroides ; pondweed,  Potamogeton
 diversifoliua ;  spatterdock,  Nuphar luteum ; and stonewart,
Nltella SP-   These species will expand their populations
wherever the  canopy is broken.  Periphyton  will increase because
of the  increased light and the increase in  substrate provided
by the  aquatic macrophytes.
                              131

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  The change will have a positive net impact on small fishes and
  invertebrates.   The macrophytes will provide shelter from
  predation for insect larvae,  crayfish,  grass shrimp, and small
  fishes,  allowing them to attain higher  densities than in areas
  devoid of plants.   In addition, the periphyton will be an
  additional  source  of food for  many of  these species.  The changes
  will  be  long-term  but will  be  reversed  when new tree growth
  closes the  openings in the  canopy (15-20 years).

  The increased sunlight reaching the water  will  also cause a rise
  in  water  temperature (Burns,  1972).  The change is  not  expected
  to  be of  a  magnitude which  will significantly effect any of the
  species  now present.

  An  indirect  effect  of  the stream crossings  is  an expected
  increase  of  erosion.   Erosion  runoff can cause  serious  short-term
  negative  impacts largely  due to the  suspended  solids carried
  by  the runoff water.   Suspended solids  damage aquatic corrmuni t ies
  by  reducing  light penetration  (thus  reducing  photosynthetic
  activity),  smothering  benthic  organisms, destroying  spawning
  areas, and  abrading  and clogging  the gills  of fishes  (Bennett,
  1970; Cairns, Lanza  and Parker,  1972; Lackey, 1975).  The  effects
  of  erosion  are  quickly reversed  following abatement.  Barton
  (1977) reported that erosion from highway construction  increased
  sediment  deposition  in a  nearby  stream  ten-fold, while  suspended
  solids increased more  than  two  hundred-fold.  This resulted in
  a reduction  in  the standing crop of fishes  irmiediately  below
  the construction site by more  than half.  No effects were
  detected  further downstream, however, and population levels at
  the construction site  returned  to normal within eight months.

 Little disruption of the  flow  in the streams is expected due
 to mine pit  dewatering (Ardaman & Associates, Inc.,  1975), hence
 there will be little impact  on  the aquatic biota.

 Discharges into  the North and East Forks from the water
 recirculating system may contain a number of substances  which
 may  have  subtle  impacts on the  aquatic  biota.   Potential
 pollutants include  clay wastes, phosphate,  flotation reagents,
 and  sewage effluents.   Water samples  collected at Swift
 Agricultural  Chemical  Corporation's  Silver  City Mine (CCI  1978)
 showed elevated  concentrations  of phosphate,  arrmonia, dissolved
 solids fluorides,  and  zinc.  With the exception of  anmonia,
 the  Silver City  Mine  effluent may be  considered  representative
 of  the nature of discharge expected.

 Arrmonia,  fluorides,  and zinc are toxic in varying degrees to
 aquatic organisms (Cairns, Lanza,  and Parker,  1972; McKim et
 al.,  1976; Herncks  and Buikema,  1977).   The  toxicity of  each
 varies  from  species  to  species,  but  prolonged  elevation  of
 concentrations of these chemicals  in  the  streams would lead  to
 a  long-term  reduction  in the diversity of the  biota.  The
 infrequent planned discharges of  these chemicals  at
 concentrations comparable  to the  Silver City Mine effluents
 should  result in minor  short-term  impacts.

Arrmonia and phosphate are  plant   nutrients.  Phosphorus and
                              132

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  nitrogen have been identified as the primary nutrients
  contributing to  eutrophication (Brezonik et  ai.,  1969).   However,
  rivers  draining  this  area of  Florida naturally have high
  phosphorus  levels  (Dragovich  and May,  1962;  Dragovich, Kelly
  and  Goodell,  1968).   Nitrogen levels in this area  are  normally
  low  (Dragovich and May,  1962) so that  the lack of  nitrogen may
  be  limiting to the rate  of  eutrophication.   Eutrophication  is
  a  long-term negative  impact which is not  readily  reversed.   It
  usually  results  in shifts  in  species composition  toward  nuisance
  species  and a reduction  of  diversity.

  Phosphate mining will  create  several  lakes on  the  Swift  site.
  This  is  a significant  expansion  of the  aquatic  environment and
  can  be considered  a positive  impact  of mining.  Lakes  created
  by phosphate mines are known  to  support  sizable fish populations
  (Crittenden,  1965).   Species  which now  occur on the site  and
 which may be  expected  to expand  into this habitat  include the
 Florida  gar,  golden shiner, lake  chubsucker, brown  bullhead,
 mosquitofish, bluegill, largemouth bass,  crayfish,  grass  shrimp
 and many of  the insect larvae.

 The segment of the East Fork  of  the Manatee River  and 430 acres
 of the intermittent streams which are to  be mined will  be
 restored.   The native fauna should rapidly recolonize this area
 since aquatic invertebrates (Williams andHynes, 1977;  Chisholm
 and Down, 1978; Kaster and Jacobi, 1978) and fishes (Gunning
 and Berra,   1969;  Berra and Gunning, 1970) have been observed
 to recover   rapidly in other disrupted streams.   Initially, the
 flood plain forest  will be poorly developed,  resulting  in small
 detntal  inputs and high  light intensity.  Until the forest
 canopy becomes well established,  aquatic macrophytes and
 periphyton  communities will  be well developed.   These communities
 will  decline as  the shading from the  forest  canopy increases.
 Eventually,  the restored  stream segment  should  be  representative
 of  a  natural stream.                                 K

 Mitigating Measures

 The mining  and reclamation  plan incorporates  several structural
 and nonstructural measures  intended as  safeguards  for the
 environment  and biota  of  the site.  These safeguards are  treated
 below  under  three headings:  planned  preservation  areas
 safeguards during mining,  and  reclamation  benefits.

 Planned Preservation Areas  - Significant mitigating measures
 associated with the proposed activity are  related to the mine
 planning  effort of  the  applicant.  Natural vegetation considered
 sensitive or  unique was specifically  identified, ranked,  and
mapped prior  to formulation of  the mine  plan.  Associations
marked for prime consideration  by  the mine planners  included
 the sole  cypress stand of the  site  (18 acres), two  stands  of
 sand pine scrub (23 and 50 acres), and the entire floodplains
of major  streams,  as identified by the dominant vegetation.

As Proposed  in the mine plan of the applicant, the cypress stand
is entirely excluded from the mining plan, as  is the larger stand
of sand pine scrub.   The wooded floodplains of the major streams
                              133

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  are also excluded with the exception of a three-quarter mile
  segment of the East Fork Manatee River which is proposed for
  mining and subsequent reclamation as a swamp.

  In addition to preservation of  the above described areas  the
  environmental value of 829 acres of pine flatwoods not scheduled
  for mining will  be improved.   These flatwoods  remained
  understocked with pines  ever  since the original timber harvest
  several decades  ago.   Seedling  pines will  be planted at a density
  of 100 per acre  in an attempt to re-establish  the original  forest
  cover.

  Safeguards During Mining  - The  quantity of  fugitive dust that
  could  settle on  the vegetation  in the vicinity  of  mining
  operations will  be reduced by spraying water regularly on the
  well  traveled roads.   Air  emissions  will be  kept within
  applicable standards  further  protecting the  biota  that  is not
  disturbed  or  destroyed by  mining.

  Exposed soils  of  reclamation  areas will  be planted with cover
  crops  as soon  as  possible  to  prevent  erosion and consequent
  sedimentation  in  streams.

  In-system water  recycling  and the attendent minimization  of water
  discharges  from  the plant  and settling  pond will reduce  the
  potential  for water pollution both on-site and  elsewhere.   If
  excessive water accumulates after exceptional rainfall  events
  this excess will   be diverted  into clarification ponds before
  it  is  released into natural streams.  Water quality will  be
 monitored daily at  permanent stations  to insure that discharges
  into streams meet applicable standards.

  In an effort to protect wetlands along streams,  the mine  plan
  incorporates active mining along only one side  of  a wetland at
 a time.  The mine pit will  be filled before the  other side is
 mined.   As  a result, the  base flow of ground water into these
 wetlands will never be severed entirely and the  potential for
 the wetland vegetation suffering from water-stress  during mining
 will be reduced.                                         6      5

 Mining  will not take place  within 200 feet  of any  retained flood-
 plain.   As  a result, base  flow into streams will be maintained
 at  near normal  levels  even  on  the side of a  stream being mined.
 On  the  long-term,  it is estimated that base  flow that enters
 streams will  be reduced by  no  more than 1.5% after  reclamation.

 The  possibility of  leakage  from  pipelines crossing  natural
 streams will  be reduced by  the use of  retention  dikes at the
 outer edges  of  flood plains  and  by the construction of  double
 walled,  trestled  pipelines  over  floodplains.  If leakage should
 occur,  it will  be  detected  quickly  by  an  alarm system fha? is
 activated with  a  change in  pressure  in the pipeline.

 The mining of  the  East  Fork Manatee River will be mitigated  bv
 the  prior diversion  of  stream  flow through a newly  created
meandering  stream  bed and 55 acres of  flood plain.    This  new
 floodplain will have been planted  initially to grasses for soil
                              134

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  stabilization  and  then  to  native bottomland hardwood  trees,  with
  hopes  of  speeding  forest development.   There will  be  no mining
  upstream  until  the new  channel  has  been properly  established.
  As  a  result, water quality  downstreams  will  be  not  be  degraded.

  Reclamation Benefits  -  All  reclaimed  land will  be  revegetated
  to  minimize erosion.  Physical  land restoration will  be completed
  within three years after the  inception  of mining  in a  given  area
  (one  year for mining  and two  years to fill  the mine pits with
  tailings  or a  sand-clay mi x).  Water  tables  will  be re-
  established after  reclamation.   This  effect  will be irrmediate,
  because the pits will be filled  by an aqueous slurry of tailings
  and sand-clay mix.  As  a result,  the  natural  vegetation of
  surrounding unmined areas will not suffer prolonged water-stress
  i f  any at al1.                                                   '

  The sterile, excessively drained  sand tailings fill areas will
  be  spread with overburden or sand-clay mix,  which have better
  soil characteristics allowing faster  revegetation.  Reclaimed
  lands will be planted to a sod of Bermuda grass, bahia, and white
  clover, which will  promote the rapid  incorporation of organic
 matter and thus the development of a top soil.  Hedgerows  of
  native trees will  be planted on about  1% of   this land, providing
  escape cover for wildlife.   Patches of  Eucalyptus  will  also
  be planted to serve as cattle shade.

 The re-establishment of  swamps and marshes  is a major  feature
 of  the reclamation  plan  of  the applicant.  Fifty-five acres will
 be  planted to  native bottomland hardwoods at a density of  100
 trees  per  acre  in the reclaimed East Fork Manatee River after
 mining. Minor  tributary creeks leading  to  the larger  streams
 will largely be mined.   They will be  replaced by an additional
 430 acres  of  reclaimed lands  which will  be  planted to  native
 bottomland hardwoods.  The  native marshes occurring in flatwoods
 depression that  will  be  lost  during mining wi 11  be replaced by
 similar depressions on reclaimed  lands.   These depressions  will
 be  allowed to  revegetate naturally.  There will  be  a net gain
 of  nine acres of  fresh water  swamps and  264  acres  of  fresh  water
 marshes after  reclamation.

 These marshes and swamps are  to  be located so that  they may serve
 as  clarification  and  nutrient  filtration areas for  runoff before
 entering the major  streams.   They also form  a continuous network
 of  native  vegetation which will serve  as  corridors  for  wildlife
 Mine pit lakes  resulting from  reclamation are integrated with
 these corri dors.

 Reclaimed  lakes will contain a substantial littoral  zone
 (approximately  10%  of  lake area) which will  enhance their
 biological productivity.   A 100 acre area adjacent  to the
 northernmost reclamation lake will intentionally be left largely
 unreclaimed.  The series  of steep windrows of  spoil will be
 topped and allowed  to revegetate by natural  means and in time
will serve as roosting areas for water  birds.  The rugged terrain
will discourage  predators (and people)  from disturbing these
 roos t s .                                              °
                                135

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 Rare and Endangered Species

 Several lists of endangerd species are in current use.  Those
 which apply to the Swift mine site are the Endangered Species
 Act of 1973 (Code of Federal Regulations:  Title 50, Chapter
 I, Part 17), Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (1976),
 and Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals
 (1976).  In addition,  the Smithsonian Institution has prepared
 a list of plants which are proposed for inclusion in the
 Endangered Species Act list (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
 1976).  Each list uses the term "endangered" for those species
 facing the greatest danger of  extinction.  "Threatened" is used
 for species in less danger.  The Florida Corrmittee on Rare and
 Endangered Plants and Animals  adds the categories "rare" and
 "species  of special concern".

 All  federally-listed and state-listed species that would be
 reasonably expected on the Swift property are listed in the
 Biology and Ecology Resource Document.  A special effort was
 made during the  field  investigations  to look for these species
 on the proposed  mine site.

 Sixteen endangered,  threatened,  rare,  or  special concern species
 have been  observed  on  or  inrmedi ately  adjacent to the Swift
 property.   Of  the sixteen observed species  listed,  none were
 considered  as  endangered  on the  federal  lists,  but  three were
 listed  as  threatened.   They were:   pinweed,  eastern  indigo snake,
 and  American  alligator.

 Federally  Recognized Species - The habitats  for  pinweed (sand
 pine scrub  and xeric oak)  will be  reduced  in  area by mining
 operations.  Since these  habitats will  not  be  restored  by
 reclamation,  pinweed populations will  suffer  a  reduction through
 mining  operations.   The  eastern  indigo snake  will  decline  in
 numbers with  the  destruction of  swamps  during mining but  should
 recoup  their  former  numbers  after  reclamation is completed.
 The  alligator will  decline somewhat during mining  but will
 increase substantially above present  population  levels with  the
 addition of 384 acres of  lakes and a  15%  increase  in other
 wetlands when reclamation  is completed.

 State Recognized  Species  - Thirteen species sighted were
 recognized only on state  lists.  One was endangered  (wood  stork),
 five were threatened (gopher tortoise, southeastern American
 kestrel, Florida  scrub jay, Florida sandhill  crane,  Sherman's
 fox  squirrel), and seven were of special concern  (common egret,
 Louisiana heron,   black-crowned night heron, white ibis,  little
 blue heron, burrowing owl  and carracara).

Wood storks are sometimes  seen in clay settling  ponds and may
 increase their numbers  on  the property during mining operations
 as the proposed settling pond becomes available  for their use.
The swales,  marshes, and wet pastures of the  reclaimed land will
 1ikely attract them, assuring that present population levels
are maintained or even  increased.

The gopher  tortoise will  decline  during mining operations but
                                136

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  will  regain  or  even  exceed  its  former  numbers  following
  reclamation.  These  land  turtles  are common on  formerly  strip
  mined  sites.  The  abundance of  well drained slopes will  favor
  their  return on  reclaimed lands.

  The southeastern American kestrel will decline  during mining
  operations.  The probable lack  of thickets in  the vast expanses
  of  improved  pasture may prevent this hawk from  regaining  its
  present population size.

  The Florida  scrub  jay may be driven off the property during
 mining operations.  The likelihood of  the return of this  species
  is  reduced because of the reduction in acreage  of its scrub and
  xeric oak habitats.

 Florida sandhill cranes will tend to move off the property during
 mining operations but will return in approximately their present
 numbers following the restoration of marshes and swales.

 Sherman's fox squirrel  may survive mining operations  in the
 cypress swamp or other  unmi ned habitats,  although this
 possibility is  not  assured.   If  pine flatwoods  are successfully
 restocked in the restoration effort, the  fox squirrel may
 eventually become conrmon on  parts  of the  property.

 The several  wading  birds listed  by FCREPA (1976) as  species of
 special  concern.  All  should continue  to  utilize the wetlands
 of  the  property  during  mining  operations.   All  may increase in
 numbers  after reclamation  because  of  the  addition of  lakes and
 the creation  of  marshes  and  swales.

 Some other species  that  might  utilize  the  site  deserve  further
 comment.   Panther and bear are wide  ranging  animals that  could
 pass  through  the  Swift  property  in the  fresh water swamp
 community  along  streams.   They would  likely  be  transient,  because
 the surrounding  uplands  have been  too great 1y modifled  for  their
 use.  The  red cockaded woodpecker  lives nearby  (Hirth and  Marion,
 in  press)  but is  not expected on the Swift property for  lack
 of  sufficient old-growth pines.   In  time nesting colonies  might
 occur there,  as  long as  the  present  pines are allowed to mature
 and if former pinelands  are  restocked.

 The Florida mouse may occur  in the pinelands but would have been
 overlooked, because traps for small mammals were  not set.   The
 gopher frog, which  is a commensal  living in the  burrows of  gopher
 tortoises, may also have been overlooked,  because gopher burrows
were not disturbed during the field investigations.  The
 burrowing owl was seen a short distance away on  adjacent property
 and may well frequent the Swift property.

Bald eagles, ospreys,  and caracaras might  make occasional visits
to the Swift property,  but  the  present  complex of habitats would
not  be particularly  attractive  to these species.  Additional
details  on the regional  status  of these  animals  are given by
Layne et  al.  (1977).                                &       3
                              137

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 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
 Basel ine - This section assigns  environmental sensitivity  values
 to  the  various attributes of  each  corrmuni ty/habi tat .  An area
 is  considered sensitive if  it meets  one or more of the following
 criteria:

     o Contains endangered or  threatened species which cannot
      survive elsewhere.

     o Fulfills an important function,  such as aquifer recharge
      or high wildlife capacity.


     o Represents  a unique or  rare  corrmun i t y or  habitat in west-
      central  Florida.


Twelve attributes  were evaluated on a  scale of  1 to 5 (Table
4.12-B).  Other potential  attributes were  omitted  because they
do not represent  land uses (e.g.,  camping,  hiking)  or natural
processes  currently  associated with the Swift property.
The  assignments of  some values were necessarily
subjective for  lack  of sufficient observations or  data.

Table 4. 12-B   Environmental  Values
'













Habitat
Row Crops
Citrus
Improved Patures
Sand Pine Scrub
Xeric Oak
Pine Flatwoods
Marsh
Swamp
Cypress
Lake*
Wilderness*
Mixed Forest*
Stream











CO
c
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IO
i.
0
5
5
1
3
3
2
1
3
.3
4
5
2
3
.S
ta
n:
to
QJ
•r—
O
OJ
Q_
00
OJ
i.
OJ
CD
C

i.

3
5
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
2
2.5
2












CJ
-Q
•r—
h-
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
5
5
1
3











en
C"

-C
to
•r—
Lu
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
2











C7)
•f_
4->
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
2
2
3
2
1










o
•M
CJ
•M
to
O)
5
4
5
1
2
2
1.5
1
1
2
4
2.5
1








O)
CD
(O
J_
O
oo


co
i.
to
-C
o
OJ
ac.
i.
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CT
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3








•M
•r—
to
Cr

OJ
3
5
5
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
4
2
3






i—
o
i.
c
o
o
c
o
•r—
I/)
o
s_
LU
4
5
4
1
1
1
1
2
1
4
5
2
5









_^
(O
OJ
s_
co
OJ
J_

1
4
2
2
5
5
1
2
1
3.5
4
5
  Habitat to be created by reclamation and not part of the present  landscape
  Values:  1 - H1gh posntive value             4 - Low negative value
          I ~ Low positive value              5 - High negative  value
          3 - Neutral; without effect with
             regard to the attribute

                                138

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 Only  those assigned  values  in  Table  4.12-B  that  are  not  self-
 evident are discussed below.

 Water Storage:  Wetlands are generally considered  prime  water
 storage areas during dry seasons.  Streams  are exceptions,
 because they export water when  the water  table is  above  the  level
 of the streambed.  In the region of  the proposed mine, the water
 of marshes and hardwood swamps  is probably  the result of  base
 flow of the groundwater from adjacent areas.  The water  table
 of wetlands is exposed and,  therefore, subjected to  loss  through
 evapotranspiration.  Such a loss in water is not characteristic
 of the adjacent uplands, because soil water does not rise through
 the sands  to  the surface by capillarity (Woods, 1957) and because
 the feeder roots (responsible for water absorption)  are  nearly
 all s uper f i ci a 1 .

 Cypress swamps may be exceptional because the shade  from cypress
 trees reduces  evaporation from the pond surface (Odum,  1976),
 and perhaps  because water absorption and thus transpiration are
 reduced by the high acidity  of  cypress ponds.  The values in
 Table 4.12-B  reflect  these  considerations.

 Aquifer Recharge:   Table 4.12-B shows a neutral  value of  3 for
 all communities,  because available evidence indicates that there
 is minimal  recharge occurring  on the proposed mine site  (Ardaman
 <5c Associates,  Inc., 1975).   Recharge of the confined  Floridan
 aquifer  sometimes  occurs  only  at remote localities  within a  large
 region (William F.  Guyton &  Associates,  1976).  Most  cypress
 heads  in peninsular Florida  are underlain  by confining  beds  of
 clay  which prevented  recharge  of the Floridan aquifer (Ewel,
 1976).

 Water  Quality:  Water  quality  values  were  assigned  on the basis
 of potability.  The soils of natural  communities  do not degrade
 water  quality  and may  improve  it by  the  absorption  of ions  to
 their  colloidal surfaces.  The  stream is considered neutral.
 Heterotrophic metabolism  likely  results  in the mi neralization
 of nutrients which  go  into solution,  degrading water  quality.
 This  effect may be  slight because  of  the  low metabolic rates
 in streams and may  be offset by  the oxygen  added  by agitation
 of the  f1owing water.

 Erosion Control:  Erosion is a continual process  in flowing
 streams.  Streams are given high negative  values for  erosion
 control, accordingly.   Natural communities are characterized
 either by standing  water or by dense  superficial root mats that
 bind the soil.   These are given  high  positive values  for  erosion
 control.  Freshwater swamps  are exceptions over long  time spans,
 because colluvial transport  occurs and gradually enlarges
 valleys.  Improved  pastures  are  likely subject to some erosion
 due to a less  effective root  mat than  in natural corrmunities
 and to soil  exposure caused  by trampling.

Vertebrate  Production:  The  values for this attribute are
indicative  of  the relative biomass of all non-domestic vertebrate
animals.
                                139

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  On the basis of the environmental values  in Table  4.12-B   the
  environmental sensitivity of the existing corrmuni t i es/habi tats
  can be judged.  A corrmuni ty/habi tat  is sensitive if  it contains
  rare and endangered species that are unable to survive and
  reproduce in any other kind of habitat, if it fulfills an
  important function or beneficial "service", or if  it is uniaue
  or rare in west-central Florida.                        unique

  Rare and Endangered Species:  None of the habitats  at the
  proposed mine site can be identified as being particularly
  sensitive on the basis of the rare and endangered species seen
  *• 11 L 11 "111 »

  Fulfillment  of  an  Important  Function:  Table  4.12-B shows that
  each  community  performs  some beneficial  "services".  No community
  or  communities  stand  out  as  being  far superior  to the others
  and  none  are particularly inferior.   A reason  for this  apparent
  equity  is  that  the  properties  that  combine to make  a  corrmunity
  superior  for  one function may make  that corrmunity inferior  for
  another  function.

  The destruction of  a  swamp forest  has a profound  effect on  water
  quality downstream, on aquatic corrmunities  in the streams,  and
  on populations of terrestrial animals that  primarily  inhabit
  other corrmunities.  These and other negative impacts  caused by
  the destruction of swamps are listed  in the regulations
  pertaining to Section  404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
 Act, published July 19, 1974 (Federal Register 42(138:  37136).

 For these reasons,  the fresh water swamp corrmunity  is designated
 as environmentally sensitive.

 Unique  or Rare Corrmunities:   The sand pine scrub corrmunity  is
 the only corrmunity  on  the Swift  property that  is not particularly
 abundant in west-central Florida.  It occurs only in Florida
 and in  one adjacent  county in Alabama.  It  is  distributed
 irregularly and  often  in small  stands.  Many or most of these
 stands  have been  destroyed and  the  sites  converted to citrus
 groves  or  urban  developments.  Some of the  component species
 aggressively  invade  culturally  disturbed  sites,  but  active serai
 development  that  leads  to  the establishment of  the entire
 corrmunity  has  not been  observed.  Present evidence suggests  that
 the  community is  relictual  and  that  its  destruction  constitute?
 an  irretrievable  loss  of  habitat.                       aniuies»

 The  sand pine  scrub  community may be  considered  to be  marginally
 sensitive  and will become more so as  future  land use impinges
 on  its habitat.                                            °

 ImPacts -  Jt was assumed that there would be no change  in
 environmental values after mining and  reclamation  for  a  given
 community/habitat.  The values in Table 4.12-B assune  thft values
 are similar for a re-established site  as for the present
 conditions.   It is questionable, though, as to whether or not
 the swamps and marshes  that will  be created on mined and
 reclaimed lands will have  the same environmental values  that
were assigned to natural swamps and marshes.  Natural habitat
                                140

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  restoration  as  proposed  for  the  Swift  site  has  not  been  attempted
  previously.   Prototypical  studies  are  being initiated  on some
  mined  lands  in  central Florida,  but  the  results  are not  yet
  available.   It  would be  improbable that  the restored marshes
  would  have the  exact species  composition  and  dominance patterns
  as  in  natural marshes, at  least  initially.

  Cattails were absent on  the  natural marshes studied on the Swift
  property (Biology and Ecology Resource Document), but  they
  dominate the marshes of  abandoned clay settling  ponds  throughout
  the Central Florida phosphate district.   Since cattails
  aggressively  invade ditches,  reservoirs,  and  other  newly created
  wet sites with mineral substrates, it  is  possible that they will
  be  important  in the newly created marshes on  the sandclay fills
  proposed for the Swift property.

  Since there is no method of determining with  confidence  the
  environmental values of newly created swamps  and marshes on
  reclaimed lands, it was assumed that  the  environmental values
 of natural  habitats are coincidental  with those of  recreated
  habi tats.

 Lakes:   The emergent and shallow submerged  aquatic  plants of
  the littoral  zone will  be utilized by cattle, thus a grazing
 value is appropriate,  although lower  than that of the  improved
 pastures that these lakes replaced.   Lakes will  attract wood
 storks, the large wading birds of special concern,  alligators,
 perhaps eagles,  and other rare and endangered species.   The
 biomass of  fish  and reptiles  and their  high turnover rates
 contribute  to high vertebrate productivity.   The timber value
 is rated low,  rather than neutral, because presently wooded
 habitat is  being replaced by  lakes.   The  water storage  value  is
 better  than  that of  swamps  and marshes  because of a  better
 surface-to-volume  ratio,  less emergent  aquatic vegetation that
 promotes transpirational  losses,  and  probably a  partial cover
 of water hyacinths  that will  reduce evaporation.   The banks will
 be subject  to  wave  action,  causing some erosion.

 Wilderness Area:   The wilderness  area will consist of spoil  piles
 which will  be  allowed  to  become  revegetated  by natural  means.
 The  vegetation of  similar  sites  throughout the central  Florida
 phosphate district  consists of woodlands  which do not closely
 resemble any  indigenous plant  communities  in structure  or species
 composition.

 Gross production will be  relatively low because of the  sparse
 growth  of brushy vegetation that will occupy these slopes for
 at  least several decades.  The steepness  of  the slopes  will
 retard  the establishment of more  luxuriant vegetation.  This
 vegetation will  have a low aesthetic value.  The  angle  of slope
 will cause continual erosion  in wet seasons.   Vertebrate
 production may be high, either from nesting  birds attracted to
 the  lake and partially isolated from predators, or from rodents
 that are also partially isolated from predators.

Mixed Forest:   The values for this habitat are about  the  same
 as those for other wooded habitats.  The value for grazing is
                                141

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 high  and  that  of  fire  break  capacity  low,  assuming  incomplete
 canopy  closure  and a grassy  undergrowth.

Mi tigation  - Not  all areas of  the  property will  be mined  or
 irrevocably disturbed.  Approximately  761  acres  of  floodplain
 swamps  will be  spared  from mining  and  will be  preserved without
modification.   Fifty acres of  sand pine scrub  and the  18-acre
cypress pond will also be preserved.   Normal water  tables will
be  resumed shortly after mining, thereby minimi zing the period
of  stress and  the resultant  loss of plant  life from desiccation.
The use of a sand-clay mix in  reclaimed sites  should create soils
that are more  fertile and have a higher water  retention than
the natural soils.  As a result, improved  pastures on  the
reclaimed lands may have higher yields than at present.

There will be a net increase of swamp  forests and marshes after
reclamation assuming proposed  reclamation  technologies are
successful.  The swamps will  be planted and the marshes will
be allowed to develop naturally on reclaimed land.  As noted
above,  it  is unknown whether  or not the swamps and marshes on
reclaimed  land will  have as high a value as they presently have.

The lakes  created by mining will have positive environmental
attributes.  Their wide littoral zones will enhance their
potential  for  high biological productivity.
                              142

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 5.0  DESCRIPTION OF  BASELINE,  IMPACTS AND MITIGATING MEASURES
                  OF THE MANMADE ENVIRONMENT


 5.1  DEMOGRAPHY

 Base 1i ne

 Number of  Inhabitants - Regional - The U.S. Census Bureau
 announced  in 1976, that for the first time in United States
 history, the majority of the population resided in the south
 and west.  This growth is primarily a result of migration out
 of the north and into the "Sunbelt".

 Florida has been a primary recipient of  this irrmigration for
 several  decades.  During 1970-77 the state's population grew
irom 6.7 million to an estimated 8.7 million,  a gain of 28%
according to the Florida Statistical Abstract.
                                                           a
 The migration of new  residents  into  the  state  is primarily „
 result of climatic and other natural features.   In addition to
 this historic trend of retiree  orientation, Florida  is also
 witnessing an increase of the younger  immigrant  seeking work
 or being given the opportunity  to relocate because his employer
 is establishing Florida facilities.

 For numerical analysis of Florida's population in the area
 centered around the phosphate industry,  this survey will make
 use of  demographic statistics reported in the Areawide Central
 Florida Phosphate Industry Environmental Impact Statement
 (Areawide EIS) recently prepared by EPA for the Council  on
 Environmental Quality.  The seven counties included in the
 Areawide EIS are Charlotte,  DeSoto,  Hardee, Hi 11sborough,
 Manatee,  Polk, and Sarasota.

 Nineteen  Seventy-Seven estimates for Florida indicate that the
 7-County  total is  1,261,868,  a  seven year gain  of 27  4%   The
 region  accounts  for  14.5% of  the total  1977 Florida population
 of  8,717,334.  It  also accounted for 14.1% of  the state's
 estimated  population  increase during the period 1970-77.

 Future  projections of  regional population for  the year  2000  range
 from  a  low of 1.7 million  to  a high  of  2.2  million.

 This  forecast increase in  population  can  be  easily  assimulated
 in  the  developed urban areas  that  presently  exist within  the
 7-county region.  Urban areas where  future  growth may be  expected
 to  locate are further  discussed  in Section  5.3  Land Use.

Number  of Inhabitants  - Manatee  County  -  The county had a  1970
population of  97,115,  a 40% gain over I960.  Manatee County had
count   PT£  ?U?Vf 123'506' a  27% §ain  over the 1970 Census
count.  The 1977 figure was 129,313.

Migration has been the primary cause of county growth over the
past four decades and  there is no reason  for this to change in
the near future.   The  county will be connected to the interstate

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  system within five years, several major industrial firms are
  building large plants in the county resulting in some 2000 new
  manufacturing jobs, and the historic factor of retirees locating
  on the Florida Gulf coast is expected to continue.

  Future population of Manatee County is projected to nearly double
  during the  period 1975 to 2000,  going from 123,500 to 2*1,600
  according to University of  Florida estimates.   U.S.  Department
  of Commerce projection for  the year 2000 number 253,600 and the
  Tampa Bay Regional  Planning Council figure is  291,823.

  Age :  The age of  inhabitants is  a useful  indicator  of
  socioeconomic patterns   The older  resident  has  long  been  a major
  factor  of Florida population trends.   Few  of  the  State's 67
  counties  are similar  to  the  national  pattern.   This  is  a result
  of  retiree migration  to  the  state.  Only Hi 1 1 sborough in the
  If~C9*nny  r£gl°; aPProximates  the  1970 median age  for  the nation
  ol  28.0.  Manatee County  is  representative of many of Florida's
  retiree population  centers.  At the time of  the  1970  census
  nearly one  third of  its  residents were over age 65.   The county's
 median age was 48. 7.

  The aging trend of many Florida counties can be expected to
  continue  as   the retiree migration continues.  Factors that  mav
  lower average age characteristics in selected areas include:
  increased industrialization or major tourism facilities  which
 will attract a younger labor force, and continued expansion of
 service and   retail employment opportunities for existing
 residents allowing them to stay rather than relocate because
 ol  the lack  of job opportunities.

 Employment - The region with a population of 1.2 million has
 a labor force estimated at 531,500 or  equal to  45% of  its
 residents, thus counting some 493,000  persons working  in mid-
 1977.   Unemployment  rates range from 5-7% for  each of  the seven
 counties  in  the region.

 The region's employment base  is quite  diversified   with
 agriculture,  food  processing,  light  and  heavy  industry,  retailing
 and services  located in the  interior counties.   The  coastal  areas
 contain  resort  and leisure services, retailing  as  wen as al?
  evels  of  industry and  manufacturing,  residential  construction
  nH™^1". fa!rt01:  in unemPl°yment during periods  of  recession),
 and substantial  numbers of workers  in  communications,  government
 transportation  and utilities.                          &          '

 Impact

Reg_ion - Population characteristics and projected  growth for
the  7-county  region should not be  impacted by the  planned Duette
mining operation.  It is an extension of general mfntng
                                   " * -placement fo? an
The location of the new mining operation is in a rural location
and wil   not disrupt any urban activities or development  w?th°n
the region.   Support facilities are located in Hi ll Borough
                               144

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  Polk counties  to  the  north and can  readily  serve  the Duette
  site.

  During construction phases,  it is generally  quite  easy  to  attract
  workers who are skilled in assembling industrial  facilities  from
  within the greater Lakeland-Tampa industrial work  force.   The
  actual number  is  under 500 and only for a short period.

  Operation of the  new Duette mine will require 324 workers
  according to the  DRI Application.  Many of these will be
  relocated Swift employees.  A certain amount can be expected
  from other mines  and also from the  local Manatee labor force.

 Manatee County -  The  local situation is similar to the brief
 Regional  analysis.  Needed mine workers should be easily obtained
  from the local  labor supply.   Support workers serving the mine
 operation may  reside in Manatee but  in small numbers.

 The local labor force numbered 55,000 according to March,  1979,
  state figures.   As county population grows over the next 25 years
  so will  its  employee base.  Other new industries locating  in
 Manatee  during  1979-81 may suffer a  tight  labor market for
 production and  manufacturing  skills  but these conditions are
 believed  different from the needs projected by the Swift
 operat i on.

 Mitigating Measures

 The proposed  mine  will not yield  adverse demographic impacts
 that  will  require  mitigation.


 5. 2  ECONOMICS

 An  important  feature  of  the regional economy is  its diversity.
 Within this 7-county  region are:  beach  resorts,  celery  farming,
 cattle ranching, citrus  groves, deep water  seaports,  shipyards,
 an  international airport,  wholesale  warehousing, a  steel  mill,
 breweries, and  distilleries,  small and  large  manufacturing
 facilities, several  universities, a  medical  school,  towns of
 under 3,000 population and a metro city  of  nearly  half  a
 mi 11i on.

 Baseline

 Of  the seven counties making up the  central Florida phosphate
 region in the Areawide study,  three  currently now have phosphate
mining activity with two more planning for  such activity.
 Charlotte and Sarasota counties were included in the Areawide
 study because they  adjoin  phosphate  operations and may become
 impacted by changes in air quality,   ground-water consumption
 and accidental  discharges  of waste water into a major river and
 estuary system.

 In Central Florida, the phosphate industry employs some 8,000
workers with  a  payroll of over $110 million and pays nearly $10
million in property taxes.
                                145

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 Income Levels and Distribution - Florida
  community.
                                                vi
                                                    oriented
     of
               highest
                                                               an
 in  the middle with  a  rate  of  35%
 figure is  37.9%.
                                         ).  Manatee Bounty is
                                     Overall for the state, the
Table 5.2-A   Regional Employment by Industry, 1970 and
   50-59
   60-67
   70-89
   90-97
           Agriculture,
           Mi ni ng
           Constructi on
           Manufactur i ng
           Transportation,  Communications,
           Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services
           Wholesale and Retail  Trade
           Finance,  Insurance & Real  Estate
           Services  and Miscel1aneous
           Government
  Source:  Planning/Marketing Services, Inc.
6.4
26.4
5.2
15.5
17.6
100.0%
6.4
27.7
6. 1
18.6
17.0
100.0%
near,y equal to
                                                       5'8%
Tab.e ,.2-B
            Civiiian  Labor  Force,  1977 -  7-Cour,ty Region
 Char 1otte
 DeSoto
 Hardee
 Hi 11sborough
 Manatee
 Polk
 Sarasota
 Regi on
 Source:   Florida
Populati on
(July, 1977)
44,313
17,973
17,407
602,667
129,313
279,574
170,621
1, 261,868
L Stati stical
Labor
(March
127834
5,485
7,042
280,338
48,774
120,228
56,848
532,549
Abstract
Force
i 1977)
% pop.
29.0
30.5
40.5
46.5
37. 7
43.0
33.3
42. 1%
1977
                                                  Unemployment
                                                  (March, 1977)

                                                      7.2%
                                                      6.8
                                                      4.5
                                                      7.6
                                                      7.2
                                                      6.8
                                                      6.0
                                                      7. 1%
                               146

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  Projection  of  the  regional  labor  force over  the next  several
  decades  is  derived  from previous  population  estimates.

  Table  5.2-C   Civilian  Labor  Force  Projections,  1980-2000

                              1980      1985        1990        2000~

  7-County  Population    1,461,600   1,654,900   1,827,200   2,152,200
  Region    Labor Force     613,900      695,000    749,100     860,900
                %          42.0        42.0        41.0        40.0

  Manatee   Population      150,600     176,300     200,000     241,600
  County    Labor Force     57,900      67,000      75,000      89,400
                %          38.5        38.0        37.5        37.0

  Source:  University of Florida
          Planning/Marketing Services,  Inc.

  In Table 5.2-C, both the  region and Manatee County are down-
  trending in the percentage of the over age 16 population.   In
  actual  numbers over the period 1980-2000, the regional labor
  force will  gain by 40.2% and Manatee by 54.4%.

 Manatee County had total employment estimated at 52,300 in March
  1979 from state figures.  The unemployment rate was 4.9%, down
 from 6.0% in March 1978.

  In Manatee  County the worker/population ratio was 27% in 1960
 and down  to  22% in 1970 for  non-agricultural  employment.   The
 county  has  long been a retiree corrmunity.   This trend  will
 continue  but there is  expected to  be an increasing demand for
 major shopping facilities, new services,  more utilities,
 government  services  and  industrial expansion.

 Future  employment  opportunities  in Manatee  County are  primarily
 a continuing relationship with population  gains.   Only
 manufacturing  or  industrial  development can  occur without normal
 Florida growth.  Manatee  is  unique,  in that  it  has  a deepwater
 port, large  industrial  zoned  acreage tracts  available,  an
 interstate highway  linkage to  major  markets  and  the Tampa Bav
 labor force.                                                 J

 Tax  Structure  - Property  taxes are the  primary  source  of  revenue
 to  local government  in Florida making  up 85% of  local  income,
 while the general sales  tax  is the richest  income producer  for
 the  state, amounting to 42% of Florida  revenues  in  FY  1976-77.

Other sources of revenue available to  local government include;
 intergovernmental transfer of  revenues, revenue sharing,  fees
 and  licenses, utility revenues, sales  tax, resort  tax,  fines
 and  interest.

The state obtains an additional 31% of  its revenue  from selective
sales taxes;  motor fuels, alcoholic beverages, tobacco  products,
iparamutual  wagering,  etc.  Another  11% comes from licenses
The  remaining sources include: corporate income taxes,  property
taxes, document taxes,  severance taxes and others.
                                147

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  Of primary interest are those governmental revenues collected
  from ad valorem and severance taxes.

  Ad_yal_orem Taxes - Within the region, local property appraisers
  assess rural  lands at the lowest possible value under the law.
  In most cases rangeland, or poor unimproved pasture, is valued
  at less than  $70/acre.

  For the Swift property,  assessment is based on agricultural  uses
  according  to  a 1971 agreement with the county.  The 10,394 acre
  S   KvlI?Qr-,orai^°rtheaSt  Manatee  County was assessed at  $1,802,000
  tu,FV   :•  Thls  aSSeSSGd  value equaled $173/acre and  was more
  than  four  times  the assessed value of comparable unimproved
  rangeland  surrounding  the property.   This  agreement will  probably
  continue until  the  land  is  permitted  for mining or a different
  method  of  assessment  is  established.

  Severance  Taxes  - Florida is  one of  29 states  that have  this
  type of tax.   The current rate of  tax is levied at 10% with  25%
  of  the  proceeds  available to  the mining  company for required
  reclamation operations.  In  1976,  the tax  produced $9.8 million

  n^r^L^ ^  StatC at  a 5% levy'   The new tax^g formula
  (1977)  doubled the  rate, but also  increased the  amount available
  to  be returned to the mining company  for reclamation.  There
  is  to be another change  in 1980  to a  levy  of 8%.   During the
  period  1971-77   the state collected some $59 million in severance
  taxes and  refunded  $24 million to mining companies  for
  reclamation.

 Qther Taxes -  In addition,  the industry  pays substantial sales
  taxes on the retail  sales of the  phosphate rock as  feed stock
  to agricultural chemical  products.  Again  sales taxes are paid
 on the  purchase of  operating supplies and materials.  Sales tax
 revenues from  the industry totaled $13.8 million in 1977
 according  to the Florida  Phosphate Council.

 Impact^

 The proposed Swift mining operation is intended to replace
 existing operations  in  Polk  County with a new  facility  located
 in  Manatee  County.   As  the older  mine  ceases production   the
 new Duette  Mine  is planned to  come  on  stream to maintain  a
 continuous  source of feedstock for  Swift  operations in Florida
 into the 21st  century.

 The  proposed mining  activity  approximates a 30-year  time period.
 This includes:   site preparation,   plant construction, mine
 operation and reclamation.  Total  expenditures  for  the proposed
mining activity will  approximate  $647 million in capital and
 operating costs (Swift Agricultural Chemicals Corporation^  1978).

The following sections will  address the economic impacts of the
Swift mining operation on the Central Florida phosphate study
region  and  also upon  Manatee  County.  Costs  and values are in
constant  1978 dollars except  where noted.
                                148

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 Dil££l_§flects.  - Direct  economic  effects  are measured  relatively
 easily.  They will be substantial outlays  in capital and  labor
 during construction and  operation.  The new Duette mi nine
 operation will  have a stabilizing effect  on the  7-county  region
 as employment and expenditures are maintained for an
 additional ± 30 years.  Without the facility, the region would
 suffer an opportunity loss as the existing operat i on^eases and
 Swift would be  unable to replace the facility.

 The proposed activity's  impact on the regionl economy  is small
 of 605 Inn   thrT°?+1S Pr°Jected to achieve a 1990 employment
 ?Ln  '     ~,     Duettemine 324 or equal  to 3.2% of projected
 1990 regional  mining  employment  of 9,983.   Annual production
 is estimated to be 3  million short tons  per year -  6.7% of the
 projected regional  figure of 44.8 million  tons  in 1990.

 Local  impacts  are  several.   Polk  County  is going to  lose its
 Swift mining operation  as the  ore  body  runs  out.  Manatee  County
 can  gain  substantial  tax advantages  and  possibly over  100  new
 jobs.   It  is assumed  that over 200 workers will  corrmute from
 the  existing Swift  labor  force in  Polk County.   Non-use of  the
mine  site would  tend  to  retain the poor  rangeland land  uses  in
 the  eastern  county with  resultant  lower  tax  payments to local
 government.

Local and state  tax collections are also a direct effect of  new
economic activity.  The  new mining activity will create  real
property investment in Manatee County that will pay substantial
local real estate taxes.  Purchases of supplies and installation
of new equipment are also taxable.                  IMJ, tai lanon

The following figures  are the projected primary direct   tax
revenues to state and  local government during mining operations-

   Sales  Tax (State)                         Annual Yield

   operating supplies  <3c materials
   value  -  $9,561,000  x  4% -                  $  382,400

   Severance Tax  (State)

   Value  to  be  set  by  Dept. of Revenue
   est. value - $16.00/short  ton,
     tax  rate  (1980) 8%
   25% of  revenues  - returned to
    mine for reclamation
   25% of revenues - to Fla.  phosphate
    Research Inst.
   50% or revenues - to state general
    revenues
   production 3,000,000 T.P.Y. x $16.00 =
  $48,000,000 x  8% = $3,840,000 - 50% =     $1,920,000

  Ad Valorem Tax (County)

  value  of  real  estate and plant
  $120,947,400  x 16.388 mills =              $1,982,000
                              149

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 These are  the primary  revenue  items  to be analyzed.  Additional
 taxable  sources are included in the multipliers presented as
 indirect and  induced effects on the  region.   Impacts on  the
 national economy are beyond the scope of this work and have been
 presented  in the recent Areawide study of the Central Florida
 phosphate  industry.

 The following additional direct effects to Manatee County should
 be meas ur eabl e :

 Agriculture - A small  grove would be cleared, rangeland  improved
 through reclamation for an annual  gain in productivity of
 >j c. -/ U j f U U •

 Housing - No housing will  be displaced on the site.   A portion
 of  mining employment is expected to  reside  in Manatee County.
 Some will  be relocating from Polk  County,  probably the  majority
 will be  current  Manatee residents.   New households could  number
 50,  at  an average  home  purchase of  $40,000  each  this  could  total
 $2  million  in investments  in the early years  of  operations.

 Employment  - An  estimated  100 of the mine's  324  employees will
 reside  in  the county.   Total  payrolls  and subcontractor  labor
 costs  are  projected  to  total  over  $39 million over the  life  of
 the mine.   The annual operating payroll for Manatee residents
 is  approximately $1.5 million.

 Business  -  Local wholesalers, servicemen and  repair facilities
 should furnish a portion of  the mines  total maintenance and
 supply needs.  This  is  estimated to  amount to $1.8 million
 annual 1y.

Government  Services  - The proposed activity should have only
a light impact on typical local   government services.  It  will
absorb up to  100 local   employees but with little impact or demand
lor public  facilities such as roads, parks or  schools.  The
mine operation itself is in a remote  rural area and is self-
sufficient  in public utilities,   security,  fire and safety.

Local Taxes  - The County tax base would increse greatly with
the proposed activity.   In 1976, the 10,394 acre site had an
assessed value of $1.7  million and  yielded ad valorem taxes  of
$28,137 at the rate of  16.388 mills to Manatee County according
to  the  DRI Application.   With capital improvements  completed,
the DRI estimates the following  annual ad  valorem tax  yield
during  mining operations:
                                                   Yield
         6624 acres  - mineable  land
         @ $800/acre  x  16.388 mills               $    86,843

         3769 acres  - unmineable land
         @ $172/acre  x  16.388 mills                   10,624

         Value of plant
        @ $115,000,000  x  16.388 mills            1,884,620

        Total ad valorem tax yield per year      $1,982,087
                              150

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Indirect/Induced Effects - The previous figures can be expanded
to include the indirect and induced effects of the proposed
activity through input/output analysis. The recent BOM study
°fthe
     ,             Significance  of  the  Florida Phnsnhat*  Industry
  de  ineates  i nter i ndustr y mul t i pi i er s that can be used  to  further
  illustrate  impacts on  the  regional economy.   It should  be
  recognized  that impact estimates are used to  reveal magnitude
  and are not necessarily an accurate  or preci se measurement .

  Based on pro j ec ted mi ne production figures of 3 million short
  tons/year (2,720 million metric  tons) and a $24. 00/met r i c  ton
  value at the mine,  annual production could total some $65  3
  million in sales (using constant 1978 dollars) or direct output.
  The indirect output effect includes purchases of other goods
  and services for the operation and in addition sales of various
  levels of  suppliers to the industry must  be figured   To this
  should be added the induced impacts of  wages  arid salaries  o
  mine workers and suppliers.  The following figure  illustrates
  an average  production year:

          Direct impact        $ 65. 3 million
           Indirect  impact        35.4
           Induced  impact       1 18. 9

          Total  impact        $219. 6 mi 1 1 i on

  Estimated employment  associated with  the  proposed activity  are
  projected in a  similar  manner  using BOM mul t i pi i er s  for  an
  average  year of production:

          Direct impact         324 employees
          Indirect impact       235
          Induced impact      1425

                              1994 employees

 The analytical  process of  developing input/output mul t i pi i ers
 at  the local  level  is questionable.   For that  reason much of

 of  effect! imPaCt  3SSeSSment is oriented towards  a direct measure

 Mitigating Measures
 beendentifdh         r e^ui r * "g mi ^ g*t i ve measures  have
 been  identified.   The  economic  impacts generated by  the  proposed
 project  have  a  favorable  effect  upon  the  area.           proposed
 5.3 LAND USE
The study area delineated  in this survey element embraces  the
7-county region as described in Sections 5.1 and 5.2
Basel ine
Current Regional Land Use - Land use activities in the 7-county
5500 square mile region are primarily agrarian in nature with
                                151

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  urban  development  occurring  along  Gulf  and Bay coast  lines  in
  Charlotte,  Hi 11sborough, Manatee and  Sarasota  counties.   The
  interior  of the  region  houses  smaller  communities  astride long
  established north-south  railroad or highway routes.   The  lone
  exception  being  the  city of  Lakeland,  an  important  commercial
  center  located  in  Polk County.
             recent USGS Land Use  Survey  only  9.3% of  the  7-county
            :asured as  "Urban or built  up"  in  1975.  This  amounts
Based on a
area was measi                                           _
to 520 square miles, housing an estimated population of [.2
million.
 Nearly 63% was listed as crops, pasture, groves, and rangeland
 while barren land including mining operations totaled only 6%
 of the study area.  The remaining 22% was forest, wetland and
 water.

 Manatee County - The county is presently dominated by open space
 land uses.  Rangeland and agricultural  uses made up approximately
 75% of  the county in 1975.   More intense land uses described
 as urban  build-up within the Areawide EIS,  accounted for only
 7.67% of  the county in 1975 and were located predominately in
 the area  irrmediately around the communities of Bradenton and
 Palmetto,  and on Anna Maria Island and  Longboat  Key.

 There are  three predominant catalysts for land use change and
 development  in  Manatee County which  can be  expected to  continue
 present  trends.  The most  significant is  the coastal  geography
 of the  county which  is attractive  to urban  uses  such  as
 residential,  commercial,  and industrial  development.  The coastal
 area  can  be  expected to  remain the dominant  locus for  future
 growth.  The  second  catalyst is  existing  and planned  highways,
 which act  as  a  spine for  the growth  areas of the county.   And
 the third  is  the  natural  resources that exist  in the  form of
 phosphate  deposits and wi 1 1  attract  the mining industry.

 Residential  and other  urban  uses can  be expected to  increase
 proportionately to population  growth.   The  county is  projected
 to nearly  double  in  population  by  the year  2000:  going from
 123,500 to 2*1,600 in  twenty-five  years.

 Future Regional Land Use - Typically, agricultural  land  uses
 are reduced as  urban encroachment  occurs.  Main  losses of
 economic importance  in the 7-county  region are some 22,000 acres
 of  orchards and groves, primarily  in Hi 11sborough, Manatee and
 Polk  counties.  Considerable amounts  of pasture  and rangeland
 will  also be removed from agricultural usage during the period
 1975-2000 by mining operations.  Much of  this displacement will
 be  temporary as  reclamation of mined  lands will  return much of
 the former  agricultural land to productive uses.

Urban development is  projected to total  approximately 500,000
 acres  by the  year 2000.  This is a 43% increase over 1975 but
 amounts  to  13% of the total  regional  land area.

 It  is  generally  forecast  by  business  and government planners
 that future urbanization  of  West Central  Florida  will  expand
                            152

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  around existing centers  of  population and t ranspor tat i on routes
  This  is  true  for  the region  as  well  as Manatee County.

  Impact
             acres  that make  UP  the  Swift  Dining site represent
  0.3% of  the 7-county  region.   The majority  of  the  site
  approximately  78%,  consists  of unimproved agricultural land and
  rangeland with  poor  soil  conditions.

  The  site  is  proposed  for  agricultural  use in  the Manatee County
  Comprehensive Plan, which is consistent  with  the planned mining
  operation because of  the  proposed  land reclamation  program.

  The  geographic  location of the Duette Mine, in  the  northeast
  corner of Manatee County, gives  it a central  position  within
  the  region,   and tends to  lessen  its impact  upon urban  Manatee
 County.   In  addition, the existing highways allow the  mine  to
  be served equally by the built-up areas  of  Polk County, to  the
  north along  SR  37, as well as Manatee County  to the west along
  SR 62.  SR 62 also puts the built-up areas  of Hardee County
 within reach.                                             3

  It is anticipated that many of the mine workers will have been
 employed at  other mines within the region.   Experience with other
 mine operations adjacent to the site indicates that the built-up
 areas of Bartow, Mulberry, Ruskin,  Parrish,  Myakka  City, Palmetto
 and Bradenton are sufficiently close to serve the residential
 needs of  mine employees.  Because of  this,  no new built-up areas
 or significant  expansion of  existing built-up areas will be
 attributable to the  mine.

 The proposed action  will not  significantly  affect  the future
 growth patterns  within the built-up coastal  areas of Manatee
 County.   The anticipated growth in  residential  land use will
 remain in  and around  existing built-up  areas throughout the  20
 year  life  of the mine  operation.   The  comnercial  and
 institutional  land uses  generally associated with residential
 development  will  also  develop where  they  are presently
 concentrated.

 The mine  site is  principally made up of agriculture,  forest,
 wetland,  rangeland and barren land.  The  mine would  largely
         Unimproved  ran§eland,  which made up 47.4% of the County
Agricultural land would be significantly  increased by the mining
process.  This is attributable to creation of improved pasture
land once the disturbed land is reclaimed.  Approximately 5516
acres of agricultural land would be gained by the region.

The end result of the Swift mining operation on the county would
be a net improvement in agricultural land uses.

Mitigating Measures

All necessary mitigating measures  for land use wi 1 1  be provided
                              153

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  for  through the reclamation process  described in detail  in the
  Reclamation Methodology Resource Document.   No significant
  adverse impacts on  land use requiring additional mitigating
  measures  have  been  identified.


  5.*   COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES

  Baseli ne

  Regional  Facilities  -  The  7-County Region contains  a  variety
  of community facilities:  Water  supply,  solid waste removal,
  electricity supply,  transportation systems, medical facilities,
  schools,  parks,  recreation  facilities, police and fire
  protection.  The majority of  the  built-up or  urban  area of  the
  region  is served by  facilities operated  on a  local or county
  level.  The regional scale  facilities tend to serve more than
  one locality and cross  county lines.  Such facilities include
  the highway system,  railroad  lines, electricity  supply and
  certain law enforcement and  recreation facilities.  Section 5.6
  addresses the  local  and regional  highway system  and railroad
  1i nes.

  Facilities Within Manatee County  - Community  facilities provided
 on  a  local and  county level include governmental administration,
  law enforcement, fire protection, public water supply, waste
 disposal,  health care,  recreation and education.

 Without the proposed action, the majority of   the facilities cited
 would continue  to serve the population within the built-up areas
 of  the county.

 Impact

 Region - The Duette  Mine operation is  to  replace production by
 a mine  scheduled to  be  phased out  of  production.   The  impact
 on  regional  community facilities  will  be  absorbed by the
 decreasing demands  of the former mine.

 Electricity  is  a major  element of  phosphate processing.   The
 proposed mine would  be  served by  the  Parrish  Plant of  Florida
 Power  & Light Company System,  however,  other  companies serving
 the region could  augment  the Parrish Plant when necessary.   Upon
 completion of mining  operations  in 20  years,  generating capacity
 will be  available to  serve  the projected  population  growth  that
 will  locate  in  the region.

 The highways that serve  the  region will be sufficient  to serve
 the trips  generated by  the Duette  Mine personnel.  Very little
 traffic  other than personnel  trips to and from work  is
 anticipated.  Ore material will be moved  by railroad.
 Improvements and extensions  to existing lines  will be made  to
 serve the  requirement of the Duette mine  and other mines in  the
 region.  Section 5.6  discusses transportation  in more  detail.

Other  regional community facilities largely serve the  residential
 population base  and can be expected to be expanded upon through
                                 154

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  general  population  growth  pressures.   The  300  personnel  employed
  by  the mine will  not  affect  the  demand for  services.

 Manatee  County  - Manatee County  and  local  jurisdictions  provide
  corrmunity facilities  which are not of  a  regional  scale.   Such
  facilities generally  serve the built-up  area of  the County  where
  the population  can  be expected to be concentrated within  future
  years .

 The Duette Mine is  not expected  to have  a significant  effect
  upon  potable water  supplies within the County.   Fire protection
 and law  enforcement facilities largely serve the  built-up area
 and there is no reason to anticipate any increased service  as
 a result of the proposed mine.   Fire protection  and emergency
 medical  services will be provided on the mine site.  Domestic
 waste generated by  the mine will  be treated on-site.   Industrial
 wastes will  be  recycled during the mine  reclamation process.

 The health,  education and recreation facilities within the County
 are not expected to receive a significant impact because they
 are directly related to the growth in population.  Manatee County
 currently provides an acceptable  level  of public facilities  and
 services by  public and private support.  Most services are based
 on population  or market  demand and increase annually with
 growth.   The small population generated by  the  proposed mine
 will be dispersed  over several residential  areas, and only a
 portion will  be in Manatee  County.   Therefore,  minimal  impact
 will be perceived  in the  county.

 Mitigating Measures

 No adverse  impacts  requiring  mitigating measures  have  been
 i dent ifi ed
 5.5   SENSITIVE MANMADE AREAS

 Baseli ne

 The  intent of this element  is  to  identify  those manmade  areas
 or features that are susceptible  to being  adversely  impacted
 by the proposed activity.

 Typically for a mining operation  this might  include:   residential
 areas or even small cities or  towns and other urban  development-
 transportation systems, roads, airports, railroads,  ports: and
 rural development of farms, nurseries, feedlots, ranches, and
 other intense agricultural uses.

The Duette Area - Section 5.3 Land Use addressed general
characteristics of  land development within the 7-county region
and more specifically Manatee County where the proposed mining
activity will  occur.                                          &

Presently,  only a few manmade features are to be observed within
the rural  Duette  area.   They include three state highways and
the county road  connecting SR 62 with  SR 64 to the  south.
                               155

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  Numerous  private  roads  serve  area individual  homes  and ranches.

  Residential  development  includes  some  30-40 dwellings  within
  two miles  distance  of  the  proposed mining  operation.   Several
  are located  in  the  old  settlement of Keentown,  an out-parcel
  in the  center of  the mine  site.   A few more are on  SR  62 near  the
  5R 37 intersection  and  the Duette School.   Another  scattered
  cluster of housing  is west of  the mine site near  the Bunker Hill
  church.

  Other urban  features include  the Duette elementary  school, the
  county's only one-room school  house, a small  country church,
  two small cemeteries and a utility substation.  Rural manmade
  features include:   fencing, drainageways,  farm  buildings  and
  structures,  planted crops, groves and  forests.

  Section 5.7 will identify  and  discuss  certain archaeological
  and historic sites  located within the mine  site area.  There
  are no historic sites or structures of sufficient significance
  to meet  the National Register  of Historic Places criteria.  A
  single prehistoric  site does  meet the significance criteria and
  is recommended for preservation or archaeological excavation.

  Impact

 The primary impact of a surface mining operation on  any on-site
 manmade  feature  would be its  total removal  by site clearing.

 Secondary  impacts  are those environmental  conditions that might
 change because of  mining and  processing that would effect human
 habitation  and public facilities.   These might include:  increased
 noise  levels,  air  pollutants,  or  increased  vehicle traffic on
 1 oca 1  roads.

 Primary  Impacts  -  No existing  families  will  be displaced  by mine
 operations.   Several  old  homesites and  prehistoric sites  will
 be  removed  by mining operations.   A prehistoric  site which meets
 National Register  criteria  is  recommended for  protection.

 Secondary  Impacts  -  The  local  highway and road system will
 witness  increasing vehical  trips during mine operations.   Section
 5.6 addresses  this issue  and indicates  that  projected traffic
 is light and would not have a negative  impact  on  road
 conditions.

Other secondary  impacts on  nearby  residents, the school and
 church will be increased noise  levels when mining operations
are located close by.  Wind blown soil may also  be a nuisance
 to nearby residents,  but should be controllable  through proper
clearing  and revegetative techniques.

Another source of fugitive emissions  will  be the drying operation
and railroad car  loading.  Abatement  measures are required and
the site  is  well  inside  the property  and over a mile  from any
residence.                                                   *

Existing  agricultural activities adjacent  to the proposed  mining
                                156

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 activity should  not  be  impacted  by  Swift  operations  other  than
 a  potential  for  ground  and  surface  water  changes  in  volume  or
 flow.   This  is addressed  in the  appropriate  section  of  the  EIS.

 Agriculture  land  uses on-site  undergo  a  significant  positive
 economic change  as  rangeland  is  mined,  reclaimed  and then  turned
 into  improved  pasture or  seasonal crop  lands.

 Mitigating Measures

 Adverse impacts  and  their associated mitigative measures  for
 cultural  resources,  transportation, and  air  quality  have  been
 examined in  their  respective  sections.  No additional adverse
 impacts  requiring mitigating measures  have been identified.


 5.6   TRANSPORTATION

 Baseli ne

 Roads  -  The  road  network  in the  primary  impact area  of  the
 proposed Swift Duette Mine  is  shown on Figure  5.6-1.

 All thoroughfares with  the  exception of Duette Road  are state
 roads.   All  state  roads are twenty-four foot wide, paved,
 undivided, rural  sections.

 The only planned  improvements  to the road network  in  the primary
 impact  area  is the extension of  State Road 39 to the  south, to
 connect  to State Road 64.

 Table  5.6-A  gives  the latest F.D.O.T.  twenty-four  hour average
 daily  traffic counts for the road network adjacent to the
 proposed mine site.

 Future  traffic flows without the proposed mine are also shown
 in Table  5.6-A.  The 1977 F.D.O.T. counts were used as a base,
 and traffic  flows were  projected to the year 2000.  An 8% growth
 factor was assumed.

 Table  5.6-A  Project Highway Traffic Without Proposed Mine
         Locat ion
1977
1980
1990
2000
Stat
Stat
(wes
e
e
t
Road
Road
of SR
39
62
37)
1

1
119

694
1

2
410

071
3044

4471
6572

9653
         State Road 62
         (east of SR 37)     1372     1728     3731     8055

         State Road 37       1129     1422     3070     6628

As per the "Highway Capacity Manual, 1965" published by the
Transportation Research Board,  Washington, D.C.,  service level
"A" exists during the peak hour on all  roadways within the
                               157

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                                                                                                                               UJ
                                                                                                                               (Jl
FIGURE •  5.6 - I
EXISTING  TRANSPORTATION  NETWORK
SOURCE •  CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS , INC.
U.S.  EPA  -  REGION  IV
DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT   STATEMENT   FOR
SWIFT  AGRICULTURAL   CHEMICALS
CORPORATION
PROPOSED   DUETTE   MINE
MANATEE  COUNTY  .  FLORIDA
                                158

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   primary  impact area.



   Rai1 roads - The existing  rai


   by the proposed Swift Duette ivillic,  is  snown  on  Figure  s  c.  9

   Seaboard Coast Line Railroad supplies  the  fre?  ^      5-6-2.

   the study area and throughout most  of  the  state    Service  ln
   "he" ™jSr Hy of ' r^U "ra^fi Ho ^T"3 ' *   '^'^












   The  Lakeland  terminal  is  somewhat  smaller  and handles
  pnuspnate  by-products  according  g^erai  freight and some
  plan;         Products  according  to the previously cited rail
                                 cars per  day.
  tonJw^et^en'ISSo1^1^^ ^ frcdicts a 5°%  in<™  -
  create the demand fnr    zuuy-  Resultant total tonnages will
     *             ^•*-*-''o^/|jioxi nrici tGlv 1500 f^si*Q ^n o  ^-i-^'i  L

  moving phosphate into Port Tampa,  in the yJar 2000.     *      '




        -  Port  Tampa  and Port Manatee by their geographical

          will  probably handle the majority of phosphate generated
 Port  Manatee is located as shown on Figure 56?   ™   *   -,-
 began operations  in 1970 and is capabl! of hanrffi       facility


                               -- Ly H
                               '
                      r
Manatee and Tampa shoufd be comol  ted  J    ?"  between  northern
the mid 1980's.             completed  sometime  thereafter  in
                               159

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     H
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Impact

Roads - The road network shown in Figure 5.6-1  is the primary
impact area and this area will undergo an increase in vehicular
traffic due to the proposed mining operation.   The initial
increase will be due to the construction of the plant site,
whereas later increases in traffic will be due  to the daily
operation of the mine itself.  Traffic generation from the Beker
and Grace proposed mines has been considered  in this analysis.

Based upon an average employment of approximately 450
construction workers during the two-year construction phase,
1170 trips per day will be generated.  Eighteen to twenty percent
of those trips will be truck traffic.  The a.m.  arrival and
p.m.  departure of the workers will create the peak hour periods
of vehicular activity.  The peak hour volume will be
approximately 500 trips per hour.

The effect of the construction phase traffic will not cause a
significant impact upon the road network shown  in Figure 5.6-1.

The mining operation will generate approximately 1630 trips per
twenty-four hour period.

The major peak hour will occur when maintenance and dragline
crews change shifts between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.  It is anticipated
that  190 trips will be generated during that  hour.

Traffic generated by the Swift Duette Mine will not have a
significant impact on the thoroughfares within  the primary impact
area.  Service Level "A" (Free Flow) will be maintained through
1985.  However, the normal traffic growth expected after that
period will cause a decrease in service levels  by 1990 (Table
5.6-A).  Service Level "B" is expected on all extended sections
of state roads by 1990, and Level "C" will be developed by 2000.
These levels will occur during the peak hour  of mine operation.

The state road intersections (i.e., S.R. 62 at  S.R. 39, S.R.
62 at S.R. 37) will operate at lower levels of  service than the
extended road sections.  Should these intersections remain
geometrically unchanged, Service Level "C" will occur by 1980
during the major peak hour.  By 1990, service levels will decline
to "D", and by 2000 these intersections will  be at capacity.
After peak periods, these intersections will operate at Service
Level "C" or better through 2000.  The lowering of service levels
is a  significant negative impact.

Duette Road will be the only entrance to the  plant site.
Consequently, it will undergo the most severe effect.  However,
the road will still operate at Service Level  "B" or higher
through 2000.

There is no existing railroad spur that could serve the proposed
site.  The possibility that no railroad will be built is very
remote, especially when there are two mines already approved
by Manatee County in the irrrriediate area (i.e., Beker Phosphate
and W. R. Grace and Company).  Should the estimated three million
tons  per year of phosphate ore be transported by truck, it would
                                 161

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 create a significant negative impact on the road network in the
 primary impact  area, and on the road network adjacent to the
 near by seaport s.

 Rai1 roads  -  The proposed mining operation will  generate one
 hundred, 80-ton rail cars per day.   Approximately 80% of that
 traffic will  go to a seaport.  Should a rail system be
 constructed  to  the Swift Mine,  it will  be able  to transport the
 ore  using  the "Unit Train Method"  now being used by mining
 operations  in Polk and Hillsborough Counties.   This method
 theoretically gives a railway system an infinite capacity.

 The  constraints on such a system are not  the capacity of the
 rail  line,  but  the capacity of  the  loading and  unloading
 facilities,  and the storage capacity at the Port destination.
 The  availability  of cars and locomotives  is also a limiting
 factor.  The  addition of 100 rail cars  on this  system will  create
 a  negative  impact  on the rail system.

 The  rail system serving Port Manatee is in its  early stages and
 basically has no  capacity problems.   The  increased traffic from
 the  proposed  mine  would not have a  significant  impact,  assuming
 a  suitable  bulk loading facility was constructed at the Port,
 with  adequate storage capability.

 For ts  -  Three million tons  of phosphate ore will  be produced
 per  year by  the proposed Swift  Duette Mine.

 Presently,  the  Port  of  Tampa has the only major  bulk loading
 facilities capable of  handling  the  anticipated  production  from
 the  proposed  mine.   The existing loading  facilities will  have
 the ability  to  handle the mine  output without any significant
 adverse  impacts.   However,  due  to the  lack of storage facilities,
 rail  cars, and  traffic  congestion on U.S.  41 caused by  the
 shipment of  phosphate ore,  it  is apparent  that  there will  be
 a  significant negative  impact on the Port  of Tampa  area  as  a
 whole  from the  movement  of  the  projected  three million  tons  per
 year .

 Should Port Manatee  construct a  major bulk loading  facility,
 the Swift Duette Mine  project would  create a very significant
 beneficial impact  on  those  facilities and  the Port  area  in
 general.

Mitigating Measures

Roads - The recommended modifications at  intersection of S.R.
 62 and Duette Road would  include widening  to incorporate turning
 lanes and possibly  signalization.

Railroads and Ports  - As a  general overview, the  construction
of a railroad line directly  to Port Manatee, should  the Port
 develop a major loading facility, would be the most  profound
mitigative measure.   Increased rail   traffic would not impact
the congested Port of Tampa  railway network and would prevent
further burdening of  the Port of Tampa storage facilities and
Port  traffic circulation.
                             162

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  5.7 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL PROPERTIES

  Basel 1ne

  Two field surveys  of  the Duette Mine tract  were undertaken to
  locate  historic  and prehistoric cultural  resources  on  the
  property,  to evalu?.te the significance  of  the  resources,  to
  determine impact on the resources  and  to  recorrmend  mitigative
  measures.   The  first  survey was carried out  in December  1974
  (Ecolmpact,  1974)  as  part  of  a  Development  of  Regional  Impact
  report.   The second survey was  designed as  a test of the  prior
  work and was  conducted  as  part  of  the  investigation in
  preparation  for  the present  Environmental  Impact Statement
  (Grange  and  Williams,  1978).  Details and documentation of  these
  surveys  may  be found  in their respective resource documents.

  Although there are many ecological zones within the region, many
  formulations  view  the area  as having two major  zones--a coastal
  strip and an  interior hinterland.  These two major  zones are
  connected by  streams  and  rivers  flowing from headwaters in  the
  interior  toward the coast.  The  interior or  "hinterland" region
  contrasts with the  coastal  zone  in resources.   It lacks the
  abundant shellfish which support more dense prehistoric
  populations on the  coast.  The  poorly drained  pine,  flatwood
  and swampy interior has often been interpreted as a hunting
  area.  Although hinterland uti1ization models  developed by
  earlier   archaeological work are not fully supported by present
  data, prehistoric population density was much heavier in the
  coastal   area than in the hinterland.

 The Duette Mine is  within the Manatee Archaeological Region,
  but is  close to the boundary of  the Central  Gulf Coast  Region
 and Glades Region and cultural  influences  from both  of  these
 spatial  units affect the area.   Paleo Indian sites   (circa  12,000-
 8000 B.C.) are primarily found along  the coast  and  in locations
 drowned  by rising sea levels.   Early  Archaic Period  sites  may
 also be  inundated.   Late Archaic sites,  dating  after 5000  B.C.
 have been found  throughout the region around the Duette Mine.
 Many sites attributed to this period  are lithic scatters  lacking
 the diagnostic projectile points.   By the  close of  the  Archaic
 Period,  about 2000  B.C., sea level  had  approximated  its modern
 level and associated landform,  flora,  and  fauna of  today were
 similar  to those  utilized in the past.

 The Orange Period is  defined by  the introduction of  ceramics
 and about 1000 B.C.  Deptford pottery  appears  in the  Central  Gulf
 Coast Region.  Sand  tempered  ceramics from the  Glades area  to
 the south are  also  present  in  the  sites  in the  Manatee Region.
 Burial mounds  appear in  this  period.  A  few mounds are  found
 in  the interior hinterlands  and  such  features may represent
 significant cultural resources.   Later sedentary peoples in  the
 area are  represented by  the  Perico  Island and Weeden Island/Santa
Rosa-Swift Creek Periods between  500 B.C.  and  A.D.  1300.   These
 periods may also be  represented  in the Duette Mine tract, since
Weeden Island mounds have been found on adjacent property.   The
                                163

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  focus  of  settlement  remains  on  the  coast  during  these  periods
  and  in the  succeeding  Safety Harbor  Period  of  A.D.  1300  to  1700.
  Safety Harbor  sites  are  also present  in  the interior areas  and
  form the  basis  for the now modified  hinterland hypothesis.

  Spanish exploration  of the sixteenth  century,  as well  as  later
  Euro-American  activities, were  largely focused on  the  coastal
  area and  the  lower reaches of the Manatee River which  has its
  headwaters  in  the Duette Mine tract.

  American  settlement  of the area came  after  initial  land  surveys
  in 1843.  The Duette Mine area was mostly patented  to  the State
  of Florida  in  1856 or  later.  Homesteading  of  sites adjacent
  to,  but not on, the mine tract occurred in  1878 although cattle
 may  have  been run in this area during the Civil War Period.
 Most of the Duette Mine tract was deeded to the Florida Southern
 Railroad Company in  1883, although a small area was included
 in the Disston Purchase in 1883.  There were only limited
 individual land holdings  in the mine tract  in  the 1880's.

 Most  of the property  was  utilized for ranching purposes,  with
 associated pasture improvement  operations.  Field survey of
 homestead  locations  on the property revealed no standing
 structures and the remains of collapsed buildings were  all wire-
 nail  constructed and  thus probably post-date 1891.

 jmpact

 Historic Period Sites - The  criteria for  determining significance
 of  historic  sites  is  stated  in  36  CFR 800.10 "Procedures  for
 the Protection of  Historic and Cultural  Properties".

 The Duette Mine  tract area  played  a  part  in  the agricultural
 development  of Manatee  County.   However,  the historical review
 of  the  general  events and specific  individuals  and  companies
 involved in  the  settlement  process  revealed  no  historical
 reference  to  individuals,  events,  sites,  or  structures  of
 sufficient significance to  qualify an  associated  site for
 National Register  status.  There are,  then,  no  historic period
 sites which meet National Register criteria  on  the  property.
 Thus, although  some historical period  homestead loci will  be
 destroyed  by mining operations,  these  impacts will  not  adversely
 affect  regional  historical resources.

 A total  of five  prehistoric sites were  located  on the property
 during  the course of  the  two  field surveys.  The work in
 preparation for  the EIS drew  upon settlement pattern and  its
 relationship to ecological data gathered in  earlier  surveys  of
 similar mining tracts  around  the Duette site.   A predictive model
 was developed which allowed the identification  of  areas  where
 there was  a higher probability of the presence  of  archaeological
 sites.  These areas are within 2000 feet of  permanent water
 (e.g.,  the  streams on  the  property),  within  4000 feet of a
 hardwood hammock and on the better drained soils within  these
 parameters.  All three sites on the Duette Mine tract located
 in the Ecolmpact survey were within the expected locations.
The Ecolmpact survey investigated the entire mine  tract.  As
                                164

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 a  further  test, a sample of 30% of the high probability area
 was  resurveyed by the EIS team and two additional prehistoric
 sites were  located, both within the expected zone (Figure 5.7-
 1).  Both  sites were iithic scatters marked by two chert flakes
 at each site.
         Figure  5.7-1
Archaeological and Historical Sites
Probability and Location Map
 Thus,  two  surveys  resulted  in
 Four were  Iithic scatters and
 additional mound,  formerly  on
 ago  during the  development  of
        locating five prehistoric sites.
        one was a small  sand mound.   An
        the property, was destroyed years
        an orange grove.
The  Iithic  scatter  sites were  ail  very  low  density  locations
producing only debitage from chert  preparation  and  no  diagnostic
artifacts for cultural classification.  All were  in-disturbed
locations where orange grove cultivation or farm  roads  resulted
in destruction or disturbances.  Tests  revealed no  preserved
cultural stratigraphy or site  integrity.  None of these  sites
meet the significance criteria of  36 CFR 800 and, although  they
may be destroyed in mining operations,  the  impact will  not  result
in loss of  significant archaeological data.  The  recorded site
location information contributes to the growing body of
information about the settlement pattern and ecological
relationships of sites in the riverine  headwaters,  however.

The Carruthers Mound is deemed to meet  the  significance  criteria
on the ground that  it may contain data  of regional  archaeological
importance.   A test by Ecolmpact did not produce  diagnostic
                                 165

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  artifacts and the site remains of unknown cultural
  classification.  However, mounds represent a more settled way
  of  life  in an area which has been characterized as a "hinterland"
  hunting  zone and none of these mounds has been excavated by
  archaeologists using modern techniques.  Such sites, few in
  number,  are important cultural resources.  The Carruthers Mound
  is  in an area which is not scheduled for mining and hence will
  not be destroyed in that operation.  It would, however, be
  isolated from its former environment, which is identified as
  an  adverse impact since associated archaeological data may be
  present  in the surrounding area.

 Mitigating Measures

 Two mitigative alternatives exist for the Carruthers Mound,
 One is to preserve the site and protect it from destruction  or
 damage.   The DRI  report for the Duette Mine proposed to
 accomplish this  goal  by fencing the mound.  It was the opinion
 of Grange and Williams (1978),  however, that  fencing the mound
 alone will  not  adequately protect it and its  irrmediate
 environment.   The area surrounding  the mound  is considered
 crucial  to site  interpretation.  In fact,  any  full-scale
 excavation of  the mound would  also  require testing at  least  100
 meters around  the mound to  be  considered adequate.  Cultural
 and natural  data  directly related to mound construction should
 be within that  distance although  this is only  an  estimate due
 to lack  of  data  from  excavated  sites of this  type in this area.

 The second  alternative,  if  preservation is  impossible,  is  to
 excavate  the  site.   In this  case,  this  should  be  understood  to
 include  investigation  of  an  area  around the mound  as well  as
 the mound itself.
 5.8  RESOURCE USE

 Energy  -  Electricity,  gasoline and  diesel  fuel will  be  the  energy
 sources used during  the  construction  phase of  the  project.  Once
 in operation, the mine and  plant will  operate  on electric power
 supplied  by Florida  Power & Light Company.

 Fuel oil  will be used  to provide thermal energy for  the  product
 dryers, and gasoline and diesel fuel will be used  for motor
 vehicles.

 Average operational  demand  power will  represent 4.4% of  the
 transmission line capacity, and 2.9% of the Parrish  power plant
 capac i ty.

 Tables  5.8-A and 5.8-B show energy consumption by  phase  of
 operation and by area during normal operations, based on
 preliminary engineering estimates (Swift DRI,  1978).

Energy  consumption  will account for at least 20% of  the  total
operating costs, with increases probable in the near future due
to the  ever increasing  costs,  utility companies must pay for
fossil  or  nuclear  fuels.   Therefore, considerable economic
                                 166

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  incentive  is  given  the  company  to  provide  for maximum efficiency
  and  conservation  of  energy.   The design  has  been  reviewed  for
  possible mitigative  efforts  to  reduce  requirements  for  electric
  power  and  fuels to minimum  levels.

  Table  5.8-A   Energy  Consumption by Phase
Phase
Cons tr uc t i on
Start-up
Oper at i on
Avg. KVA
3,000
51,800
51,800
Dryer
Fuel Oil
Gal /Day
0
12, 125
28,250
Gasol i ne
Gal /Day
500
350
350
Diesal Fuel
Gal /Day
500
350
350
 Table 5.8-B  Energy Consumption by Area
                            HorsepowerAverage Load
 Area	      (Connected)
Mi ne
Washer
Feed Preparation
Flotat ion
Waste Distribution -
Waste Disposal
Reagent Storage -
Off si tes
Wet Rock Storage
Dryer , Load Out
TOTAL
26,501
4, 378
6,525
5,892

26, 352

648
854
2,239
73,389
17,859
3,086
4,951
4,534

18,458

562
615
1,613
51,768
 Water  -  The  existing  ground  and  surface  water  systems,  their
 resource  availability,  effect  of  use,  and  conservation  are
 discussed in detail  in  separate  sections of  this  report.
 Mineral Resources  - The  prospecting  base of  245 holes used for
 reserve  identification  by  Swift  is  statistically  adequate  to
 define the property's reserve  potential  for  planning  purposes.
 The  stated reserves for  60 million  short tons  of  product as
 estimated by Swift are  recoverable at  best management practices,
 considering  both mine and  process recovery.  There  is a
 possibility  of an expansion  of the  reserve by  improved  technology
 and/or economics.  The mine  life  could be  extended  by perhaps
 10-25% by improvements  in either  of  those  areas.  However,
 assuming  that this additional  ore would be less concentrated,
 the overall  production  rate, with no expansion of the processing
 facilities, might decrease.

 There is  sufficient incentive  due to reserve and  development
 investment for Swift to provide the practices necessary to insure
maximum recovery.

Certain portions  of the property, as indicated in other  sections
of this  report,  have been withheld from mining including portions
of the major  stream courses on site and a wetlands area.  Ore
underlying these  areas,  which may amount  to several  million tons
                               167

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  of  product,  is  not  planned to be recovered due to regulatory
  constraints  governing mining in wetland areas.

  The uranium  content  of the recovered product  is  estimated to
  pnHI??   !i0m 5?-100 PP™'  This is not  as  high  as in some  Polk
  County  deposits  presently  being exploited  for  both phosphate
  and bi-product  uranium.  No  current  plans  for  downstream
  extraction of the uranium  from  the phosphoric  acid have been
  identified because extraction would  be  performed  by the consumer
  01  the  rock  production rather than Swift.

  s«-J*e  P|anned  3-° million short  tons of product  per year  rate,
  Swift will deplete the deposit's  presently identified recoverable
      V?Lin  the. Projected  21 year mine  life.   The  60.0 million
       tons of the economic reserves  represent  4. 3% of the
      'tin"1 Jlorida resources having a cost of  less  than $20  per
      o  ?HP  trtCCreHab e fPr°duct  (Zellars-Wii liams,  1978), and
      of  the  total identified resource.
 Neither the Department of Energy at state or federal levels nor
 any other  agency hold regulatory authority over the use of energy
 at  t n i s t ime.                                                   °J

 The agency charged  with authorizing diversions  from either ground
 £
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             6.0  COMPARISON OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITH
                   AREAWIDE EIS RECOMMENDATIONS


 The Final Areawide Environmental Impact Statement for the Central
 Florida Phosphate Industry published by the Environmental
 Protection Agency in November 1978 evaluated the impact of
 various alternative scenarios of phosphate mining in central
 Florida.   The EPA reconrmendat ions represent a scenario of
 phosphate development which was determined to be as  compatible
 as practicable with other desired and intended land  uses.  This
 scenario  provides a decision making tool  for all new source
 phosphate mines in central Florida.

 The following discussion  compares the proposed activity to the
 EPA reconrmendat i ons for mining and benef i ciat ion. The
 reconrmendati ons and clarifying statements  are underlined followed
 by a description  of the proposed activity.

 o   Eliminate  the  rock-drying processing at  beneficiation plants
    an~d transport  wet (6-20% moi sture) rock  to chemical plants.

    Only rock  to be utilized in triple superphosphate, elemental
    phosphorus,  def1uorinated rock feed,  or  other fertilizer
    pTbcesses  requiring dry rock would be  dried - and this would
    be  at  the  chemical  processing complex  or at dryers permitted
    by  PER prior to publication of the DEIS.  A possible exception
    on  a case-by-case basis could be made  for rock to be shipped
    outside of  Florida for  chemical  processing;  if the energy
    for transporting the moisture were greater than the energy
    saved  by eliminating drying,  drying at  the beneficiation plant
    would  be considered if  air  quality (including radiation could
    be  adequately  protected.

 Since  the  Areawide EIS study was  undertaken,  important study
 assumptions relative  to air  quality were mitigated by a
 significant action of the  U.  S.  Congress.   The Clean Air Act
 Amendments of  1977,  required  the  application  of  Best Available
 Control Technology (BACT)  to all  significant  sources and source
 modifications which  had potential  to  deteriorate  air  quality.
 The  recommendation  to eliminate  rock  drying in  the Areawide EIS
 was  based  upon  greater allowable  source emission  rates  than are
 now  permitted  by U.  S. EPA Prevention  of Significant
 Deterioration  (PSD) Regulations  promulgated under the 1977
 Amendments.  For example,   study  assumptions  for  particulate
matter were limited  by allowable  emission rates  as provided for
 in  the Florida Administrative Code  (F.A.C.  17-2.05,2,  Process
Weight Table).  This  rule  permitted particulate  emissions  at
 least  twice as  great as allowed  under  the PSD Regulations.  A
 conclusion of the Areawide EIS proposed action was that  the
 phosphate  industry pollutant contribution would  remain  relatively
 constant after  1977.  However, the PSD Regulations suggest  that
 the contribution should decrease  as new processing facilities
 are constructed and older   less efficient control  systems are
 replaced with new  technology.

By establishing maximum increments of allowable deterioration,
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 the PSD Regulations effectively  restrict availability of  the
 air resource.  Once the available resource is consumed by
 competing interests, no significant additional source effect
 can be permitted without a corresponding reduction in effect
 from another source.

 Thus, the objective of the Areawide EIS to protect air quality
 will be attained by an enforceable and pervasive system of air
 quality controls that exert influence over all major industrial
 source contributions.

 Swift proposes to contruct a rock drying facility at the Duette
 Mine site.  Two fluidized bed dryers are planned for drying 262
 tons per hour each (dry basis) of phosphate rock from 13 to 2%
 mo i s t u r e.

 The proposed drying facility is dictated by market conditions.
 Total  acceptance of wet rock,  as the basic form of the phosphate
 rock conmnodity on the world market,  is not expected for  some
 time.   Many  users have small  phosphoric acid plants and  the
 designs vary widely making conversion to wet rock not only
 expensive, but  technically difficult.   Conversion to wet  rock
 also requires installation of  wet rock grinding in addition to
 major  wet  phosphoric acid process design changes.  Significantly,
 capital  for  the modifications  is not readily available in many
 developing countries.

 Some dry rock is used  to  produce triple superphosphate for which
 no wet  rock  process  exists.   If  drying at  the  acid plant  is
 desired,  small  dryers  located  at small plants  are inefficient
 and  very expensive  compared  to  the  large units  employed  by rock
 producers.

 In terms of  operating  costs  at  the mine plant  site,  shipping
 wet  rock  is  less  expensive  than  drying the  rock.   These  costs,
 however, are  only  transferred  and increased  if  the customer is
 not  capable of  processing  the wet rock since water must  be
 shipped  and  then  removed  by  drying.  Heavier wet  rock results
 in higher  delivered  costs  at all  points  of delivery  except  the
 lower Mississippi.   Beyond  the  1,000 mile  radius,  shipping costs
 exceed  drying costs; therefore,  the  competitive market ing  cost
 becomes  a major  factor.  Product  grade,  quality,  and  condition
 become more  important  in the world market and customer
 specifications  are an  important  consideration.

More energy in  the form of fuel  oil  is  consumed to dry the  rock
 than is consumed to ship the additional water in  the  wet  rock,
 assuming that the rock will not  be dried at the final
 destination.   Analyses were performed  to examine  how  energy
 consumption to ship moisture in  rock increases with shipping
 distance and how it compares with the  energy consumption to dry
 the rock.  In the case of rock dried at the final destination,
energy consumption would be the greatest since the energy
consumed in shipping the water would be added to  the  energy
consumed in drying the rock.

As stated above, the proposed Swift drying facility is subject
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 to PSD Regulations.  These regulations require preconstruction
 monitoring of pollutant levels, application of Best Available
 Control Technology  (BACT), and control of emissions to  insure
 that PSD concentration increments are not exceeded.  The rock
 dryers proposed for the Swift facility will utilize venturi-
 absorbers and wet centripetal vortex contact scrubbers.  The
 application of this technology will reduce emissions of
 particulate matter and sulfur dioxide to levels well below  state
 and federal standards.  The application of BACT wi11 also
 minimize the pollutant concentration levels of airborn
 rad iati on.
 o  Meet state of Florida and local effluent limitations for
                                                             any
    di scharges.

 Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
 Act as  amended  (33 USC 1251,  1341),  the State of Florida issues
 certification to each applicant for  a National Pollutant
 Discharge Elimination System permit.
 Al 1  recent
 faci1i ti es
 cond i t i ons:
NPDES permits issued by the State for phosphate mining
have been certified subject to the following
    1.   The applicant  must  comply with all  applicable
        of  Chapter  403,  Florida Statutes,  and Chapter
        Florida  Administrative Code.
                                          requi rements
                                          17 series,
        Issuance  of  certification  does  not  constitute State
        certification  of  any future  land  alteration activities
        which  require  other  Federal  permits  pursuant  to Section
        404  of  P.  L.  92-500,  as  amended,  nor  does  it  constitute
        approval  or  disapproval  of any  future land  alteration
        activities conducted  in  waters  of  the State which require
        separate  Department  permit(s) pursuant  to  Section 17-4.28,
        FAC.

        In accordance  with Section 17-6.01(2)(a)2a.D.,  FAC,  the
        following  effluent limitations  apply  to  all discharges
        designated as  possibly containing contaminated  runoff,
        process generated wastewater, or mine dewatering
        discharges from the mining and  beneficiation  of phosphate
        rock:
Character!stic
TSS
Total P
PH
mg/1
mg/1

               Di scharge
              Limi tations
1-Day Max.
25
5
6. 0-9.0
30-Day Avg.
12
3
6.0-9.0
 Moni tor i ng
Requi rements
                                               l/week/24-hr. composite
                                               1/week/24-hr. composite
                                               I/week grab

If the above requirements are met, the discharge from this
facility will comply with Sections 301, 302, and 303 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act,  as amended.

The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation reserves the
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  right  to modify  the effluent  limitations  placed on each  facility
  pursuant to Federal and State  law.  Modifications may occur
  should  further water quality analysis of  the proposed discharge,
  its volume and character, together with the flow and
  characteristics of the receiving body of water, indicate that
  the discharge will not meet and comply with applicable water
  quality standards contained in Chapter 17-3, Florida
 Administrative Code.

 Effluent limits, and any additional requirements specified in
 the state certification,  supersede any less stringent effluent
 limits  in the NPDES permit.   During any time period in which
 more stringent state certification effluent limits are stayed
 or inoperable, the effluent  limits listed in the NPDES permit
 shall  be in effect and fully enforceable.

 0  Eliminate conventional  aboveground slime-disposal  areas.

    The mining and reclamation  plan for new-source  mines  should
    establish a method whereby  the slimes  (or s 1 imes/tai 1 i"ngT
    mixture) would be used for  reclamation  or some  other  purpose.
    The need for an initial  aboveground storage  area is recognized
    - as is  the need for small  retaining  dikes  around  certain
    areas reclaimed with a  siimes/tai1 ings  mixture.   if the
    percentage of  waste  clay  at a mine  exceeds  the  proportionate
    amount  that can be  utilized, the incremental amounts  beyond
    that which can be  handled by new siime-dewatering methods
    may be  placed  in  a  holding  pond for  reclamation  after  adequate
    sett 1 ing.                               ~~~                 	

 Swift  has  committed  in  their mine  plan  to  use a sand-clay mix
 in  land reclamation  and thereby reduce the need for traditional,
 separate disposal  areas.

 A initial  480-acre  conventional  aboveground  clay settling area
 is,  however,  planned for the mining operation.  This area will
 receive all  clay wastes generated  before the sand-clay mix
 procedure becomes operational.   The settling area will remain
 active  throughout  the mine life to  receive clay wastes in excess
 of  the  sand-clay mix requirements  and to serve  as a secondary
 water  clarification and storage  area.

 Based  on current experimentation, sand and clay will be mixed
 in  the  approximate ratio of 2.5  to  1 (by weight).  The mixture
 will be  enclosed by levees averaging 1* feet in height.   The
 enclosed areas will be  filled to 9 feet above natural   grade
 leaving  a freeboard of  5 feet.   Filling above ground is necessary
 to  allow for subsidence of the material as it dewaters and
 consolidates, and to facilitate gravity flow within the water
 return system.  Approximately 5,426 acres are planned  for use
 as  sand-clay-type disposal.

Upon completion of mining,  drainage and drying will be induced
 to provide  for subsidence  and crust development  of  the clay
 settling area.  Once the clay has subsided  to the desired level,
 the exterior retaining dike will be pushed  towards  and away  from
 the settling area to establish  a lower  grade slope  and provide
                                172

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 some coarser  textured  material  for  the interior  soils.

 o  Meet  Southwest  Florida Water  Management  District
    consumptive-use permit  requirements.

 Withdrawals of  ground  water  from the  FJoridan  Aquifer will  be
 limited  to  those  rates and  locations  included  in the Consumptive
 Use  Permit  (No. 27703739) granted by  the  Southwest Florida  Water
 Management District  (SWFWMD)  in  September,  1978.

 The  permit includes  details  of well location and  pumping  rates
 in  the deep ground-water system  and places  restrictions upon
 effects  in both the  shallow  and  deep  ground-water systems.  The
 permit also requires the construction of  a  recharge-well  system
 for  the  purpose of  recharging 3.024 million gallons per day
 (average annual) from  the unconfined  surficial aquifer and/or
 secondary artesian aquifer to the Floridan Aquifer.

 Swift is obligated to  the terms  and conditions of the
 Consumptive Use Permit.  Should  Swift  fail  to  comply with all
 of the conditions, set  forth  in  the permit, then  the permit shall
 automatically become null and void.

 o  Provide storage that allows reelrculation of water recovered
   from  slimes.

   Storage capacity  is  to be determined during the pending  DRI
   and/or the site-specific EIS  based  on  local hydrologic
   characteristics.  The designed storage capacity should' allow
   for capture of  100  percent of water recovered  from slimes
   for reuse.

 The water recirculation system of the  proposed mining and
 beneficiation  facility provides  156.03 MGD to the clay settling
 area.  Of this 156.03 MGD,  3.73 MGD are lost to evaporation,
 11.487 MGD by  clay absorption, 2.28 MGD are lost to seepage
within the recycle system,  and 142.27 MGD are returned to the
 process  system.   Ninety-nine percent  of the water recoverage
 from slimes by the recycle system is either returned to the plant
 process  or lost  to non-discharge phenomena.  The remaining  1%,
 or 1.43 mgd,  is  discharged.

o  Use connector wells.
   Such wells offer an economical means of dewatering the shallow
   ground water from the water-table aquifer before mining,  while
   replenishing a portion of the water pumped from the Floridan
   Aquifer for the purposes of transportation and beneficiation.
   Mining plans for new-source mines can continue to utilize this
   method of-dewatering - but only with the following
   precautionary measures;   maximum utilization of water obtained
   from dewatering; monitoring by both industry and regulatory
   agencies  to assure  that  the drained water meets recorrmencfed
   drinking water criteria  chemically, bacteriologically,  and
   radiologically at all  times;  and assurance that wells will
   be  adequately cemented and grouted before being abandonedT
                               173

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 As a condition of the SWFWMD Consumptive Use Permit, Swift has
 agreed to the installation and operation of connector wells to
 recharge the Floridan Aquifer with an estimated availability
 of 3 MGD.  Monitoring of  the quality of  the water being
 discharged from the shallow aquifer is required by the SWFWMD
 permit for various  parameters and at a specified schedule.  The
 water quality analysis will  include the  following constituents:
 a)   Total  coliform count
 b)   Fecal  coliform count
 c)   Gross  alpha  radiation  (if
     greater  than  15 pCi/1
     analyze  for  radium-226,
     total  radium)
 d)   Iron
 e )   Fluor i de
 f)   Phosphorous
                  g)  Sulfate
                  h)  Pesticides
                  i)  Organi c Carbon
                  j)  Specific conductance
                  k)  Nitrate
                  1)  Phosphate (ortho, total)
                  m)  Total dissolved solids
                  n)  Total suspended solids
                  o)  Turbidity
 The  permit  further  provides  for  the  cessation  of
 of  the water  from  the  upper  system for  cause.
                                the introduction
   Address  proposed  regulations  regarding  radiation
   published  by EPA  and  projected  by mining  and  reel
                                   levels to be
                                   amation plans
    for  new-source mines
    encountered.
	based on test borings' of material to be
The DRI and/or site-specific EIS should also
    develop  a  reclamation  plan  that  considers  radiation  of  spoil
    material and  reduces as much  as  possible amount  of
    radionuclide-bearing material  left within  3-4  feet of  the
    surface.

The projected  indoor  radon progeny  levels  by  land type  for  the
Duette  site after  reclamation  are as follows:  overburden
reclaimed -0.008WL  (working level), sand/clay reclaimed  -  0.009
WL, tailings  reclaimed -  0.006 WL,  clay sediments -  0.015 WL
and the weighted average  for the site - 0.009 WL.

All post reclamation  criteria for the radiological  environment
were estimated without returned  topsoil.  The mining plan,
however, suggests  that approximately 2 feet of topsoil may  be
returned to some of the reclaimed area.  This procedure is
reconmnended, since expected guidance for construction of
residential homes may require near  background levels.  The  final
clay settling area when returned to any land use will be most
beneficially affected by  returned topsoil.  The 3-4 feet of
returned topsoil  reconrnended in the Areawide EIS, however, may
have a high cost-benefit  ratio in this region of lower matrix
radi oacti vity.

If  the final guidance (EPA, 1979) for reclaimed lands suggests
an  upper limit of predicted radon progeny in slab-on-grade homes
of  0.009 WL (normal background of 0.004 WL plus the uncertainty
of 0.005 WL),  then the Duette site may have to consider  the
return of  topsoil to any residential development  site.
                               174

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 o   Meet  county  and  state reclamation requirements  and include
    j_n... the  DRI and/or  s i te-spec i f ic EIS an inventory of  types
           	      *  ____....      . r .— _.  ~..._   ^^ .__T	    • •Tv^iifcwt T  \j x.  L y LX ^
    of wildlife  habitat  in  the area to be mined and  the  area
    immediately  surrounding  it.
                                and
 o   The mining and  reclamation  plan  will  take  into  account  the
    protection and  restoration  of  habitat  so  selected  important
    species  of wildlife will  be  adequately protected during mining
    and reclamation.

Wildlife habitats with their associated  fauna  and  flora  are
 described in detail  in the Biology  and Ecology section of  this
 EIS and the attendant Resource  Document.   Restoration or
 preservation of some wildlife habitats have been incorporated
 in  the mining and reclamation plan.  Not  all areas of the
property will be mined or irrevocably disturbed.  Of the unique
communities on  site, fifty acres  of sand  pine  scrub and  the  18-
acre cypress dome will be preserved.  Approximately 829  acres of
cut-over flatwoods excluded from mining will be restocked  with
pine to enhance wildlife value.

Following the EPA recormmendat i on  stated below  to preserve  the
section of  the East Fork Manatee River scheduled for mining,
all floodplain swamps of streams  having greater than 5 CFS mean
annual  flow will be spared from mining and will be preserved
without modification.  The major  stream corridors were found
to be the most  valuable wildlife  habitat on-site.

o  Protect  or restore wetlands  under the  jurisdiction of the
   Corps  of  Engineers,  Section  »0fr.  Federal Water Pollution
   Control  Act,  pursuant to »0» (b)  Guidelines (frO CFR 230).
 No  specific  boundaries  of  wetland  areas  have  been  officially
 identified by  the Corps of Engineers.   Three  categories  of
 wetlands were,  however,  established  in  the  Central  Florida
 Phosphate EIS:

     Category  1  - Wetlands to  be protected  (not mined)
     Category  2  - Wetlands which may be mined  but must be
                  restored as  wetlands  capable of  performing
                  useful wetland functions
     Category  3  - Wetlands which can be mined  without
                  restoration  as wetlands

 Following are definitions  for  the  categories established  in  the
 Areawide EIS.  The definitions are presented as a suggested
 methodology  for  determining the limits of each category.  These
 categories should be viewed as general guidelines to rank natural
 wetlands on  Florida phosphate mining sites  in  terms of their
 value to regional hydrology, water quality, and fish and
 wildlife production.  This  categorization is intended to aide  i
 the EPA review process of  proposed Mining/Reclamation Plans  for
New Source Mines.  The  three categories are defined in further
 detail  herein for application to the review process of Swift's
Duette  property.
                                                              i n
                             175

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                     CATEGORY 1  -  Protected

  Category  1 wetlands  are  strategically  located  in  the regional
  drainage  system and  are  associated  with  or  contiguous  to the
  primary  rivers  and  streams  (first order)  and their  branches
  (second  order)  within  the major  drainage  basins of  the mining
  region  (e.g., Alafia,  Peace, Little Manatee, Manatee,  Myakka
  River, Horse Creek,  etc.).   These streams and  associated wetlands
  provide  an essential synergistic support  to the regional
  ecosystem and environment that would have an unacceptable adverse
  impact if they  were  significantly altered, modified  or
  destroyed.  Category 1 wetlands may include wetlands associated
  with stream mains terns, headwaters and  tributaries.  Criteria
  for determination of Category  1 wetlands  include  but are  not
  1 imi ted to:

  (a)  Mainstem Stream Wetlands  :  These are wetlands of  first
      and  second order  rivers and streams upstream to the  point
      where mean annual  flow  is 5 CFS.   Protection shall  extend
      to the lateral  wetland boundary which shall be the  25 year
      flood elevation unless  such calculated floodplain  is  less
      than one-half  (1/2)  the total   floodplain as determined by
      dominant vegetation.  In cases  where the 25 year floodplain
      is less  than 1/2 the total vegetated floodplain, a minimum
      of one-half (1/2)  of the vegetated floodplain shall  be
      protected from mining and significant disturbance by mining
      operat ions.

  (b)  Headwater Wetlands :  These are wetlands  as defined
      by dominant vegetation  that  are found as  the  continuum
      of first  and second  order  rivers  and streams  upstream of
      the  point where mean annual  flow  is  5 CFS. A minimum of
      twenty-five percent  (25%)  by area  of headwater wetlands
      shall be  protected from mining  and significant disturbance
      by mining.   It  is  the  intent  to maintain  stream wetland
      continuity  by protection of  headwater areas.

 (c)  Tributary Wetlands :  Tributaries  are the  lateral
      streams,  creeks  and  other  contiguous  water  conveyances
      (whether  permanent,  intermi ttant,  or  seasonal)  that
      contribute  flow  to first  and second  order  rivers  and
      streams.  As the importance  of  tributary wet 1ands  to
      regional  hydrology, water  quality, and  fish and  wildlife
     habitat may vary considerably due  to  contiguity,
     vegetative  structural diversity and  hydroperiod, exact
     determination as Category  1 Tributary Wet lands will
     be made on  a site  by site  basis.   In all cases,  however,
     a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%)  by  area of
     tributary wetlands shall be protected from mining  and
     significant disturbance  by mining.

Although not identified above, certain wetlands not part  of
stream floodplains may deserve special  consideration  for
inclusion  in Category 1.  These include unique or unusual  wetland
vegetation conrmun i t i es that would be difficult if not impossible
to  re-create,  wetland communities rare to the site or area
wetlands supporting  populations of endangered or rare animals
                              176

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 or  plants,  wetlands  of  sufficient  size to  be significant  wildlife
 habitat  (e.g.,  50+  acres with  considerable  edge),  or  serve other
 essential  environmental  functions  including water  quality.


                 CATEGORY 2  - Mine  and  Restore

 Category  2  wetlands  can  be  generally characterized as  larger,
 isolated  swamps  and marshes and  those  wetlands  contiguous
 to  but not  protected  under  Category  1.   This Category  also
 includes wetlands that would otherwise  be considered Category
 1 but have  been  previously  altered to  an extent  that
 significantly impairs natural wetland  function.  Category
 2 wetlands  may  be mined  if  an adequate  restoration program
 is  proposed by  an applicant.  A  restoration  program must
minimally include a  reasonable assemblage of  indigenous
wetland plant species and be physically  designed to
 positively  contribute to regional water  quality, hydrological
 function and fish and wildlife production.   Criteria for
 determination of Category 2 wetlands include  but are not
 1 imi ted to:

 (a)  Ma ins tern Stream Wetlands :  These  are  all non-protected
     wetlands contiguous with the first and  second  order
     rivers and  streams upstream to the point of 5 CFS mean
     annual flow.  This category reaches to  the upland edge of
     the floodplain boundary as determined  by dominant vegetation
     from the designated limit of Category  1 wetlands.

 (b)   Headwater Wetlands  :  These are all non-protected wetlands
     that are found as the continuum of first and  second order
     rivers and  streams upstream of the point of 5 CFS mean
     annual  flow.  This category reaches to  the upland edge of
     headwater wetlands as  determined by dominant  vegetation
     from the designated limits of Category  1 headwater
     wet lands.

(c)   Tributary Wetlands :  These are  all non-protected
     wetlands  is excess  of  10  acres in  size as determined
     by  dominant vegetation  that  are  contiguous with the
     lateral streams,  creeks and  other  natural water
     conveyances (whether permanent,  intermi ttant,  or
     seasonal)  that  directly contribute flow to the first
     and  second  order rivers and  streams of  the region.

(d)   Isolated Wetlands :  These  are all  non-protected
     wetlands  in excess  of  5 acres  in  size  that are not
     contiguous  to mainstem  streams,  headwaters  or
     tributaries but  do  have important  functions  in water
     quantity  and quality control  and fish  and wildlife
     production.   Isolated wetlands need not be  replaced
     in their  original  location but must  be  replaced in
     acreage equal to  total  acreage destroyed within each
     sub-drainage basin.  Edge/area relationship  should be
     considered  in isolated  wetland replacement.
                             177

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             CATEGORY 3 - Mine Without Restoration

 Category 3 wetlands are wetlands less than 5 acres in size
 as defined by dominant vegetation,  are isolated, have
 insignificant hydrological  function and do not substantially
 contribute to maintenance of fish and wildlife production
 in the region.

 The three categories of wetlands on the Duette site are
 delineated in Figure 6-1.  A segment  of the East Fork Manatee
 River  is  a major  Category 1 wetland proposed for mining.   EPA
 recommends  that  this segment,  as well  as  all  other Category 1
 wetlands,  be  preserved.

 Any of the  Category 2 wetlands  which  are  proposed for mining
 may be mined  and must  be  restored.  The proposed reclamation
 plan will  result  in a  net gain  of  15% for  swamp and marsh acreage
 on  the site.                                                    6

 0   Make efforts  to  preserve archaeological  or  historical  sites
    through  avoidance or mitigate by salvage excavation performed
    by  a professionally  competent agency any sites  deemed
    significant by the  Florida Division  of Archives. History.
    and Records Management.   If mitigation  is chosen,  the
    resulting  report  should  be submitted to  that  state agency
    for examination  and comnnenfT               ~         	

 One archaeological  site of  significance, the Carruther's Mound,
 was identified on the Swift property.

 The mound is  in an area which is not scheduled  for mining and
 hence will not be destroyed in that operation.   It would,
 however, be isolated from its former environment.  Therefore,
 EPA proposes that the site be excavated under the supervision
 of an  individual  or  agency approved by the Florida Division of
Archives,  History and Records Management prior to mining the
 area surrounding  the site.
                             178

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35 :14
                                                                                gUl  CATEGORY - 1
                                                                                r?gj  CATEGORY - 2
                                                                                m  CATEGORY - 3
  FIGURE 6-1

  WETLAND CATEGORIZATION

 Source:  Conservation Consultants,  Inc.
U.S. EPA - REGION  IV
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT STATEMENT  FOR
SWIFT AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
CORPORATION  PROPOSED
DUETTE MINE
MANATEE COUNTY,  FLORIDA

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                  7.0   PROPOSED AGENCY ACTIONS

 The Areawide EIS establishes a basis for initiating a site
 specific EIS for a new source mining opeation.  This site
 specific EIS has examined the mining and reclamation plan by
 Swift and assessed the impacts of the proposed activities.

 The Swift proposal deviates from the Areawide EIS reconrmendations
 in two significant areas:  1)  construction of a rock drying
 facility and  2)  mining of a segment of the East Fork Manatee
 River, a Category 1 wetland.

 The proposed drying facility is dictated by the market conditions
 under which Swift operates, and may be justified on the basis
 of the amount  of rock to be shipped outside of Florida for
 Chemical processing.   An analysis of proposed air quality impact
 was performed  in a manner consistent with objectives of
 Prevention of  Significant Deterioration (PSD) and includes
 results  of preconstruetion monitoring activities, control
 equipment selection to achieve BACT, emissions estimates and
 mathematical modeling to insure conformance with PSD increments
 and National Ambient  Air  Quality Standards  (NAAQS).

 This detailed  examination of short and long term areawide and
 cumulative effects of  the proposed drying facility has
 demonstrated that air  quality standards will  not be violated,
 air quality will  not  be  significantly degraded,  and sulfur
 dioxide  and particulate matter emissions will satisfy New Source
 Performance Standards  and Best Available Control Technology.
 Therefore EPA  proposes to approve the rock  drying facilities
 and issue the  required permits pursuant to  provision of the  Clean
 Air Act.

 The segment  of  the East  Fork Manatee River  proposed for mining
 has been determined to be a Category I  wetland.   Such wetlands
 provide  important  ecological  functions  including erosion control
 protection and  acting  as  a  living filter  by removing sediments
 and other pollutants  from flood waters.   In addition,  these
 wetlands  are very  productive  and export  a portion of  this
 biological  productivity  to  downstream areas.   The efficient
 functioning  of  such a  complex community is  dependent  upon
 presence  of  all  of  its member  populations.  Restoration of a
major  complex floodplain  would  be slow,  if  possible  at  all.
 Thus,  EPA recommends  that  the functioning system be  left  intact,
which  would  assure  preservation  of  the  biological  integrity of
 the floodplain  of  the  East  Fork of  the Manatee River.   Based
 on  the above considerations,  EPA believes that mining  should
 not  proceed  in  the  East Fork Manatee River.

 EPA proposes to  issue  an NPDES  permit pursuant to  the Clean Water
Act  of 1977.  The  permit will  include as  conditions all  those
 recomnendations contained in  the  Areawide EIS which pertain to
mining except the  recorrmendat i on  concerning rock  dryers  as noted
above.
                              180

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                                                               Permit No. FL0036609
                      AUTHORIZATION TO DISCHARGE UNDER THE
                NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM


       In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,
    (33 U.S.C. 1251 et. seq; the "Act"),

          Estech General Chemicals  Corporation
         (formerly Swift Agricultural  Chemicals Corporation)
          1st  Commercial Bank Building
          410  Cortez Road, West
          Bradenton,  Florida  33507
    is authorized to discharge from a facility located at

          Duette  Mine
          Between East and North Forks Manatee  River
          About Latitude 27°  32'  09" & Longitude 82° 07'  13"
          Manatee  County, Florida
    to receiving waters named


          East and North Forks of Manatee River
   in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set forth
   in Parts I, II, and III hereof.

       This permit shall become effective on

       This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight,
   Signed
                                                 Sanford W. Harvey,  Jr.
                                                        Director
                                                 Enforcement Division
EPA Farm 3320-4 (10-73)
                                            181

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00
r>o
A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
                                                                                     t~' • c **' '.*
   During the period beginning on  the  effective  date  and lasting through the term of this"permit,
   the permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall(s) serial number(s)  001,  002,  and 003 process  generated wastewater
    mine.
   Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

   Effluent Characteristic                      Discharge Limitations                      Monitoring Requirements
                               kg/day (lbs/da"y)           Olher Units (Specify)                           ~~
                                                                                Measurement     Sample
                           Daily Avg      Daily Max     Daily Avg      Daily Max     Frequency       Type
                                                                              (During Discharge)
   F!ow-m3/Day (MGD)         --..__          I/Week        Discrete*

   Total Suspended Solids    —            —        30 mg/1       60 mg/1        I/Week        24 Hr.  Composite

   Total Fluoride (33  F)      —            —        10 mg/l       10 mg/1        I/Week        24 Hr.  Composite

   *Any measurement or determination representative  of the actual discharge.



   *Any measurement or determination representative  of the actual flow.


   Any overflow from facilities designed, constructed,  and maintained to contain or treat  the volume
   of wastewater which would  result from a  10-year,  24-hour precipitation event shall not  be subject
   to the effluent and pi! limitations listed  on this page.
   The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units  nor greater than 9.0 standard units and shall be
   monitored I/week during discharge with a grab sample.

   There shall be no discharge of floating solids  or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

   Samples taken in compliance with the monitoring requirements specified above shall be taken at the
   following location(s):  nearest accessible point  after  final treatment but prior to actual discharge
   or mixing with the receiving stream.

   The effluent limits, and any additional requirements, specified in the attached state certification
   supersede any less stringent effluent limits listed  above.   During any time period in which more
   stringent state certification effluent limits are stayed  or inoperable, the effluent limits listed
   above shall be in effprr .nml full™ or,f^»-^^-,ui^
                                                                                                                   ii *   >
                                                                                                                   2 *   3
                                                                                                                   •*i g,

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        DEFINITIONS


        (a.)
                                              T" I"7 Water  that  ±9  ^P™"**  or  that  collects in the

                                                  water
CO

CO
(b.).
                                        preclPitation  event"  shall mean  the  maximum 24-hour  precipitation
              available  in "u        "-occurrence  internal  of  once in  10  year.   This information is

              Environment  I  n  f  f   T*" Technlcal PaPer  No«  ^0. ^y 1961 and  may  be  obtained  from the
              S  ComeJce?       Service- Natio" Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration.  U.S.  Department



              The term "mine"  shall  mean an area of land, surface or underground,  actively  used  for  or

              resulting  from the  extraction of a mineral from  natural  deposits.
                                         wastewater" »»»11 mean any wastewater used  in  the  slurry

             The  term .n             ' ^ emlssions <=ontrol, or processing exclusive of mining.

             in a oit  nnnH  i*°      <* *"* ^^ ™ter Which bec°mes commingled with  such wastewater
             was?cwate            "'       °* ^^ £acili^ used ^r settling or treatment of  such
                                                                                                n d
                                                                                                i »
                                                                                                a n
                                                                                                        2! O
                                                                                                        O «•
                                                                                                        I-1
                                                                                                        O
                                                                                                        O
                                                                                                        UJ
                                                                                                        0>
                                                                                                        o>
                                                                                                        O
                                                                                                              I
                                                                                                              H

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                                                             PARTI

                                                             Page  4  of 10
                                                             Permit No.  FL0036609
B. SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE

   1. The  permittee shall  achieve compliance  with  the effluent limitations specified  for
      discharges in accordance with the following schedule:

      a.   Permittee shall  comply with  the  effluent limitations by
           the effective  date  of the permit.
      b.
This  permit shall  be  modified, or alternatively, revoked
and reissued, to comply with any applicable effluent
standard or limitation issued or approved under sections
301(b)(2) (c),  (D), (E), and(F), 304(b)(2), and 307 (a) (2)  of the
Clean Water Act, if the effluent standard or limitation
so issued or approved:

  (1)   Contains different  conditions  or is
        otherwise more  stringent than  any
        effluent limitation in the permit;  or
  (2)   Controls any pollutant not limited  in the permit.

The permit  as modified  or  reissued under this paragraph
shall also  contain any  other  requirements  of the Act
then applicable.
  2. No later than  14  calendar  days following a date identified in the above schedule of
     compliance, the permittee shall  submit either a report of progress or, in the case of
     specific  actions being required by  identified dates, a written notice of compliance or
     noncompliance. In the latter case, the notice shall include the cause of noncompliance,
     any  remedial  actions taken,  and  the probability  of meeting the  next scheduled
     requirement.
                                184

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                                                                  PART I

                                                                  Rape 5   of  10
                                                                  Permit No.  FL0036609
C. MONITORING AND REPORTING

   1.  Representative Sampling

       Samples and measurements taken as required herein shall be representative of the volume
       and nature of the monitored discharge.

   2.  Reporting

       Monitoring results obtained during the previous    3   months shall be summarized for
       each  month and reported on a Discharge Monitoring  Report Form (EPA No. 3320-1),
       postmarked no later than the 28th day of the month following the completed reporting
       period. The first report is due on December 31,  1979   . Duplicate signed copies of
       these, and all other  reports required herein,  shall   be  submitted  to the  Regional
       Administrator and the State at the following addresses:


       Environmental Protection Agency
       Water Enforcement  Branch
       345 Courtland Street,  N.E.
       Atlanta,  Georgia  30308
   3. Definitions

      a.  The "daily average" discharge means the total discharge by weight during a calendar
          month  divided  by the  number  of days in the  month  that  the  production or
          commercial facility was ope ting. Where less than daily sampling is required by this
          permit, the daily average discharge shall be determined by the summation  of all the
          measured daily  discharges  by  weight divided  by the number of days during the
          calendar month when the measurements were made.

      b.  The "daily maximum" discharge means the total discharge by weight during any
          calendar day.

   4. Test Procedures

      Test procedures for the analysis of pollutants  shall conform  to  regulations published
      pursuant to Section 304(g)  of the Act, under which such procedures may be required.

   5. Recording of Results

      For each measurement or sample taken  pursuant to the requirements of this permit, the
      permittee shall record the following information:

      a.  The exact place,  date, and time of sampling;

      b.  The dates the analyses were  performed;

      c.  The person(s) who performed the analyses;
                                         185

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                                                                    PARTH

                                                                    Page  7    of  10
                                                                    Permit No.  FL0036609
A. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

   1.  Change in Discharge

       All discharges authorized herein shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this
       permit. The discharge of any pollutant identified in this permit more frequently than or
       at a level in excess of  that authorized shall constitute a violation of the permit  Any
       anticipated facility expansions, production increases, or process modifications which will
       result  in  new,  different,  or  increased discharges  of  pollutants must be reported by
       submission of a new NPDES application  or, if such changes will not violate the effluent
       limitations specified in  this permit, by notice to the  permit issuing authority of  such
       changes. Following such notice, the permit may be modified  to specify and limit any
       pollutants not previously limited.

   2.  Noncompliance Notification

      If, for  any reason, the permittee does not comply with or will be unable to comply  with
      any  daily maximum effluent limitation specified  in  this permit, the permittee  shall
      provide the  Regional Administrator and the State with the following information in
      writing, within five (5) days of becoming aware of such condition:

      a.  A description of the discharge and cause of noncompliance; and

      b.  The period  of noncompliance, including exact dates and times; or, if not corrected
         the anticipated  time the noncompliance is expected  to  continue, and steps being
         taken to reduce, eliminate and prevent recurrence of the noncomplying discharge.

  3.  Facilities Operation

     The permittee shall at all times maintain in good working order and operate as efficiently
     as possible all treatment  or control facilities or systems installed or used by the permittee
     to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit.

  4.  Adverse Impact

     The permittee shall take  all reasonable steps to minimize any adverse impact to navigable
     waters resulting from noncompliance  with any effluent  limitations  specified in this
     permit, including such accelerated or additional monitoring as necessary to determine  the
     nature and impact of the noncomplying discharge.

 5.  Bypassing

     Any diversion  from or bypass of facilities necessary to maintain compliance with the
     terms and conditions of this permit is prohibited, except (i) where unavoidable to prevent
     W™,M J   °r ^^ P1iOPerty damage> °r  (H) Where  excessiv*  storm drainage or runoff
     Zhih-?*™86 rT        S necessary for compliance with the effluent limitations and
     prohibitions  of  this  permit. The   permittee  shall  promptly  notify  the  Regional
     Administrator and the State in writing of each such diversion or bypass
                                 186

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                         ^ B%  $1   Rp^lF
ife
          PART I.
                                                                 Page 9   of   10
                                                                 Permit No.  FL0036609
     inspection at the  offices  of the State water pollution control agency and the Regional
     Administrator. As required by the Act, effluent data shall not be considered confidential.
     Knowingly making any false statement on any such report may result in the imposition of
     criminal penalties as provided for in Section 309 of the Act.

 4.  Permit Modification

     After notice and opportunity for a hearing, this permit may be modified, suspended, or
     revoked in whole  or in part during its term for cause including, but not limited to, the
     following:

     a.  Violation of any terms or conditions of this permit;

     b.  Obtaining this permit by misrepresentation or failure to  disclose fully all relevant
        facts; or

    c.  A change in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or
        elimination of the authorized discharge.

 5.  Toxic Pollutants

    Notwithstanding Part II, B-4 above, if a toxic effluent standard or prohibition (including
    any  schedule of compliance  specified  in  such effluent  standard or prohibition) is
    established under Section  307(a) of the Act for a toxic pollutant which is present in the
    discharge and such standard or prohibition is more stringent than any limitation for such
    pollutant in  this permit, this permit shall be revised or modified in  accordance with  the
    toxic effluent standard or prohr  tion and the permittee so notified.

 6.  Civil and Criminal Liability

    Except  as provided in permit conditions on  "Bypassing"  (Part II,  A-5) and "Power
    Failures" (Part II, A-7), nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee
    from civil or criminal pena'ties for noncompliance.

7.  Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability

    Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or
    relieve the permittee  from any responsibilities, liabilities,  or penalties to which  the
    permittee is or may be subject under Section 311 of the Act.

8.  State Laws

    Nothing  in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or
    relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant
    to any applicable State law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 510 of the
    Act.
                                   187

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                                                        PART II
                                                            10  of  10
                                                        FWmitNo.  FL0036609
9.  Property Rights

   The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal
   property, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property
   or any invasion of personal rights, nor any infringement of Federal, State or local laws or
   regulations.

10. Severability

   The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit, or the
   application of any provision of  this  permit to  any circumstance, is held invalid, the
   application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit,
   ihall not be affected thereby.
                                PART III
 Definitions
 1.  The "daily  average" concentration means the arithmetic average
     (weighted by  flow value) of all  the daily determinations of con-
     centration  made during a calendar month.  Daily determinations of
     concentration made using a composite sample shall be  the concentra-
     tion of the composite sample.  When grab samples are  used,  the
     daily determination of concentration shall be the arithmetic
     average (weighted by flow value)  of all the sample  collected during
     that calendar day.

 2.  The "daily  maximum" concentration means the daily determination of
     concentration for any calendar day.

 3.  "Weighted by  flow value" means the summation of each  sample concen-
     tration times its respective flow in convenient units  divided by
     the summation of the respective  flows.

 4.  Composite Sample: A "24-hr,  composite sample" is any of the  following:

     a.  Not less  than six  influent  or effluent portions  collected at
         regular intervals over a period  of  24 hours and composited in
         proportion  to flow.

     b.  Not less  than six  equal volume  influent or effluent portions
         collected over a period of 24 hours and composited in proportion
         to the  flow.                                 "               *

     C.  An influent  or effluent portion  collected continuously  over
         a period of  24 hours at a rate proportional to the flow.

 5.  For the purpose  of this  permit, a  calendar  day is  defined as  any
     consecutive 24-hour period.
                                    188

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                         COORDINATION LIST
 The following Federal, State,
 groups have been requested to
and local agencies and interested
comment on this impact statement:
                         Federal Agencies
 Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
 Bu reau of Mi nes
 Coast Guard
 Corps of Engineers
 Council  on Environmental Quality
 Department of  Agriculture
 Department of  Commerce
 Department of  Health,  Education
   and Welfare
 Department of  the Interior
 Department of  Transportation
         Energy Research and
           Development Agency
         Federal Highway Administration
         Fish & Wildlife Service
         Food and Drug Administration
         Forest Service
         Geological Survey
         National Park Service
         Nuclear Regulatory Commission
         Soil  Conservation Service
         Economic Development
           Admini strati on
                          Members  of  Congress
 Honorable  Lawton  Chiles
 United  States  Senate
Honorable  Sam Gibbons
U.  S. House  of Representatives

Honorable  Skip Bafalis
U.  S. House  of Representatives
Honorable D. Robert Graham
  Governor
Patrick K. NeaI
  State Senator
Ralph H. Haben, Jr.
  State Representative
Lawrence F. Shackleford
  State Representative
Thomas E. Danson, 3r.
  State Representative
Ted Ewing
  State Representative
Coastal Coordinating Council
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Agriculture and
  Consumer Services
         Honorable Richard Stone
         United  States  Senate

         Honorable Andy P. Ireland
         U.  S  House of  Representatives
                                 State
        Department  of Administration
        Department  of State
        Environmental Regulation
         Cormni ttee
        Geological  Survey
        Game and Freshwater  Fish
          Cormni ss i on
        Department  of Commerce
        Department  of Health  and
          Rehabilitative Services
        Bureau of Intergovernmental
          Re 1 at i ons
        Department  of Environmental
          Regulat ion
                           Interest Groups
The Fertilizer Institute
Florida Phosphate Council
Florida Audubon Society
Flor i da Si erra Club
        Tampa Audubon Society
        Florida Defenders of the
          Envi ronment
        Izaac Walton League of America

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Manasota 88
League of Women
Conser vat i on
  Count y
   Voters
Counc i1 of
                 Flor i da Di vi s i on
               Florida Wildlife Federation
Manatee
                         Local and Regional
Polk County Conrmission
Hillsborough County Conmission
Manatee County Commission
DeSoto County Conrmission
Hardee County Comnission
Charlotte County Commission
Sarasota County Conrmission
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
                          Sarasota County Health Dept.
                          Hillsborough County Department
                            of Environmental Protection
                          Manatee County Department of
                            Pollution Control
                          Sarasota County Environmental
                            Control Department
                          Southwest Florida Water
                            Management District

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                          LIST OF PREPARERS
            United States Environmental Protection Agency
Andrea E. Zirmner
Ro b e r t B. Howa r d
John E. Hagan, TI I
Charles P
Thomas R.
Alfred E.
Delbert B
William L
James E. Or ban
Roger Pfaff
Joel G. Veater
 Al bus
Cav i nder
Coker
 Hicks
 Kr uczynski
Project Manager
Chief, EIS Preparation
Chief, EIS Branch
NPDES Permit
Surface Water
Ground Water
Biology and Ecology
Biology and Ecology
No i se
Air
Radiation
                                                     Sect i on
                   Conservation Consultants,  Inc.
Wi 1 1 i am W. Hami 1 ton
H. Clayton Robertson
Andre F. Clewell, Ph. D.
Richard M. Eckenrod, P. E.
Byron E. Nelson
John F. Schatmeyer, Ph. D., P. E.
                             Senior Project Manager
                             Assistant Project Manager
                             Biology and Ecology
                             Surface Water Quality
                             Noi se
                             Ai r Quali ty
                 Civil Engineering Consultants,  Inc.

Robert 3. Lombardo, P. E.,  I. T.  E.    Transportation
                 Leggette, Brashears, & Graham,  Inc.
Frank H. Crurn
Harry F. Oleson, Jr.
                             Ground Water
                             Ground Water
David E. Wilkinson
        Planning/Marketing  Services,  Inc.

                              Soc i oeconomi cs
                       Zellars-Wi 11iams,  Inc.
Mi chae1 E. Ze11ar s
Douglas E. Blows

Luther H. Bumgardner
W. H. Hawkins
Ronald R. Potts
James M. Williams
                              Project Manager, Geology
                             Water  Balance, Mining
                               Engi neer i ng
                             Geology, Mining Engineering
                              Soi 1 s
                             Water  Discharge
                              Process Engineering
                                 m

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                              Cons ultant s
Melvin W. Anderson,  Ph. D.,  P.  E.       Surface Water Hydrology
Ertinett Bolch, Ph. D. ,  P.  E.             Radiation
Roger T. Grange                         Archaeological & Historical
                                          Properties
.1. Raymond Wil I iams                     Archaeological & Historical
                                          Proper t i es
                                 iv

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                           SELECTED  BIBLIOGRAPHY
American Water Works  Association,  Inc.   1971.    Water  quality  and  treatment:
        A Handbook of Public Water Supplies.   McGraw-Hill  Book Company.  New
        York.

Ardaman & Associates, Inc.  1975.   General  Soil  Characteristics and
        Descriptions  for Manatee County, Florida.

Ardaman & Associates, Inc.  1975.   Proposed Phosphate  Mining,  Swift  Chemical
        Company, Manatee County, Florida.  Part I.  (Mimeo. Rept.)

Ardaman & Associates, Inc.  1977.    Flood Plain Studies,  Swift DRI,  Manatee
        County, Florida.   File Number 74-0271.

Ardaman & Associates, Inc.  1978.    1977 Hydrological  Monitoring Program,
        Swift Agricultural Chemicals Corporation,  Manatee County,  Florida.
        Prepared for Swift Agricultural  Chemicals  Corporation, Bartow,
        Florida.

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                                       VI

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                                        VII

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                                        vm

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                                        IX

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                                         XI 11

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                                       xiv

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                                       xv

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