Subject: Urgent: Whistleblower Complaint on Stormwater Runoff Pollution and Its Impact on Public Health and Wildlife in Florida
Doug Liles
Florida Special District Commissioner
South Walton County Mosquito Control
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
February 1, 2024
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
Dear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency,
I am writing to raise an urgent concern regarding the management of stormwater runoff in Florida and its potential connection to the proliferation of flesh-eating bacteria, specifically Vibrio vulnificus, in our water bodies. Recent incidents involving serious infections from these bacteria, including cases leading to amputation and near-fatal outcomes, have alarmed communities around Choctawhatchee Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, and Bay Counties.
The increasing frequency of these health incidents points towards a possible link with poor stormwater runoff management, which may be contributing to the deterioration of water quality, thereby creating environments conducive to such dangerous pathogens. The presence of pollutants, potentially including PFAS substances, further exacerbates the risk to both public health and local wildlife.
Given the grave nature of this issue, I urge both agencies to:
Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the stormwater management practices in the affected areas.
Evaluate the impact of stormwater runoff pollution on water quality and public health.
Implement stricter regulations and corrective measures to mitigate pollution sources.
Enhance monitoring and reporting mechanisms for waterborne pathogens in recreational waters.
Increase public awareness on the risks and preventive measures against flesh-eating bacteria.
As a Florida Special District Commissioner, I am reporting environmental violations and public health risks to your agency.
Immediate action is essential to safeguard the health of Florida's communities and protect our precious wildlife and ecosystems from irreversible damage.
Sincerely,
Doug Liles
Florida Special District Commissioner
South Walton County Mosquito Control
The opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not necessarily represent the views of the SWDMCD board. According to Florida State statute, the SWMCD is restricted in its scope to focus exclusively on the source reduction of mosquito habitats, thereby excluding stormwater management from its mandate. Additionally, my experience in the Florida CDO program has significantly reinforced my conviction that the optimal strategy for safeguarding the treasured Choctawhatchee Bay involves undertaking independent research, guided and overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency.
850.622.8150 Office
P.O. Box 1440
900 CR 393 N
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459