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Dr. John Trefry Addresses Florida Senate On Muck Impact

By  //  December 11, 2013

Altman asks for $20 million for dredging

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dr. John Trefry, Florida Institute of Technology professor of marine and environmental systems, made a presentation this morning to the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation on “Sediment Accumulation and Removal in the Indian River Lagoon.” 

Dr. John Trefry, Florida Institute of Technology professor of marine and environmental systems, makes his presentation this morning to the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation on “Sediment Accumulation and Removal in the Indian River Lagoon.” (State of Florida video image)
Dr. John Trefry, Florida Institute of Technology professor of marine and environmental systems, makes his presentation this morning to the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation on “Sediment Accumulation and Removal in the Indian River Lagoon.” (State of Florida video image)

Senator Thad Altman, who represents District 16 that includes parts of Brevard and Indian River counties, is requesting $20 million for dredging muck from the lagoon. To inform the Committee of the importance of the project, Altman asked Trefry to address the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee about the Indian River Lagoon muck program.

Thad Altman
Thad Altman

Trefry made his presentation to Senator Dean, chair, and Senator Abruzzo, vice chair and committee members Altman, Bullard, Gardiner, Grimsley, Latvala, Simpson and Soto.

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Trefry brought three large bags of the muck to the meeting to illustrate the challenges and environmental impact of muck in the lagoon.

Jerry Sansome
Jerry Sansom, chairman of the Florida Inland Navigation District, address the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation. (State of Florida video image)

He also solicited input from Florida Tech faculty, Brevard County, Marine Resources Council, Florida Inland Navigation District, St. Johns Water Management District and others.

Last month, Florida Tech established the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute (IRLRI). The new institute is a collaboration of Florida Tech’s scientists, engineers, coastal resource managers and educators, working independently and with community organizations to improve and sustain the health of the Indian River Lagoon.