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Resident warns council that HDD undergrounding may risk well water; town will seek answers from FPL
Summary
A new Southwest Ranches resident told the council that horizontal directional drilling (HDD) used by FPL can introduce drilling fluids with toxic components into groundwater and asked whether missile boring was considered; council agreed to request further information from FPL.
At the town’s Feb. 13 meeting, resident Anna Ponek urged the council to investigate Florida Power & Light’s undergrounding method for power lines, saying the company’s homeowner leaflet omits details about drilling fluids and alternative methods.
Ponek described horizontal directional drilling (HDD) as “a drilling method that has the potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water with pollutants” because chemical lubricants (commonly called drilling “mud”) can include heavy metals and organic compounds. She asked whether the council had reviewed the mud composition, mitigation plans for inadvertent returns, disposal procedures and whether missile boring (a compressed‑air alternative) had been offered consistently to homeowners.
Keith Russell, town staff, told the council he would contact FPL and ask the company to provide documentation and, if needed, come to the council to explain the methods and mitigation measures. Russell said he would attempt to coordinate with the FPL representative assigned to Southwest Ranches once that staff member returns from out of town.
Mayor BR Cruz and Council Member David Kazinski acknowledged the concern and said the town will ask FPL to clarify which undergrounding methods were used in which neighborhoods, what the composition and disposal plans are for drilling fluids, and whether residents can review permitting and mitigation documents. Council members emphasized that many town households rely on private wells, which increases the sensitivity of any potential contamination risk.
The council’s response is investigatory: staff will seek factual material from FPL and share findings with the public before any directive or policy change is proposed. No formal action was taken at the meeting beyond the commitment to request information.
Public records: Anna Ponek’s remarks and the council’s pledge to contact FPL occurred during the public-comment segment and staff updates (SEG 268–372 and SEG 2032–2050).
