Should Manatee County approve phosphate mining permit?
Published By: bradenton.com EDITOR’S NOTE: Phosphate mining giant Mosaic Fertilizer is seeking approval of a mining permit for a large piece of land in northeast Manatee known as the Altman tract. County commissioners will examine the request during an all-day work session Tuesday. Yes: Altman request sets high mark of protections The Altman mine permit has been perhaps the most scrutinized land-use application ever brought before Manatee County, and after nearly eight years of legal, environmental and regulatory review and compromise involving multiple entities, it sets an unprecedented standard for phosphate mines in Florida. Against that background, it’s surprising and disappointing that Manatee County staff has recommended that it be denied. We appreciate this opportunity to provide readers with clarifying facts about the permit and its many protections. The Altman parcel is comprised of 2,048 acres in northeastern Manatee County and is part of our Four Corners mine, which has been
