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Lake County commission unanimously opposes Heart of Florida deep‑well injection project
Summary
After public testimony alleging prior violations and groundwater contamination risks, the Lake County Board of County Commissioners approved a letter and resolution opposing the Heart of Florida/ACAMS deep‑well injection application and directed elevating the issue as a legislative priority.
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously June 23 to adopt a letter and resolution opposing the Heart of Florida (ACAMS) deep‑well injection application, after residents presented reports they said show contaminants and operational problems at the company’s sites.
Resident Catherine Wright told the board she assembled a packet she said documents unauthorized disposals, permit irregularities and odor complaints tied to the company. “Their water quality reports from 2023 to 2026 shows benzene levels have exceeded groundwater cleanup standards,” Wright said, urging formal opposition. Jeff Coulson warned that injecting industrial wastes risks leaching and aquifer contamination, saying the consequences could “affect our entire aquifer” and future generations.
County staff reminded the board the item was prompted by a prior presentation of geologists and that the packet of public input had been provided for review. Commissioners framed the action as protective: one member said the county must be “solutions oriented” and suggested making the matter a legislative priority to seek state help for treatment options. The board approved the resolution and directed staff to finalize the opposition letter.
The action is a formal statement of county policy opposing the proposed injection project; it does not change permitting authority but signals the county’s stance and intent to pursue policy and legislative options. The county said it will continue coordinating with environmental experts and will consider additional technical and legal steps as information develops.
The county recorded the public comments and the unanimous vote; staff and commissioners said more work will follow to identify treatment alternatives and pursue state‑level support.
