Doug Liles
South Walton County Mosquito Control District Commissioner
900 N County Hwy 393
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
1/23/2024
Representative Shane Abbott
513 The Capitol Room 1402 CAP
402 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Dear Representative Abbott,
I am reaching out to you in my capacity as Commissioner with deep concerns about the environmental management of the Choctawhatchee Bay, particularly in relation to mosquito control ditches and their impact on this vital ecosystem.
The Choctawhatchee Bay is not just an ecological asset but also a cornerstone of our community's economy and heritage. The improper management of stormwater runoff in mosquito control efforts has led to an ongoing discharge of chemicals and biological agents, posing a significant threat to our health and environment. These substances risk severely impacting the water quality of the bay and endangering its diverse marine life. This situation underscores the urgent need to reassess our current practices to prevent potential ecological damage.
Moreover, there is a troubling issue that necessitates immediate attention. I have reason to believe that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may have provided misleading information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding their environmental practices and their impact on the bay. Given that the EPA oversees the implementation of the Federal Clean Water Act, this matter takes on an even greater significance.
Therefore, I am calling for an independent federal investigation into the DEP's handling of the Choctawhatchee Bay estuary. It is imperative to ensure that all practices affecting the bay are transparent, compliant with federal regulations, and do not jeopardize the integrity of this critical natural resource.
Such an investigation is crucial to uphold environmental accountability and to confirm that our local and state agencies adhere to the highest standards of environmental protection. We owe it to our community and future generations to ensure the Choctawhatchee Bay is preserved and protected.
I urge you to leverage your position and influence to initiate this federal investigation. Our community, our environment, and our collective future depend on the responsible stewardship of natural resources like the Choctawhatchee Bay. I am available for any further discussion or to provide additional information on this matter including the details on how two of my friends acquired life-threatening infections after swimming in the bay. These infections both resulted in amputations.
Your support and action in this regard will be highly appreciated.
Thank you for your dedication to our community and your commitment to environmental stewardship.
Sincerely,
Doug Liles
South Walton County Mosquito Control District Commissioner
The opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not 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.