Sugar's Pollution: Everglades In Danger?

The Everglades in Florida has been facing an ecological disaster due to toxic algae blooms, threatening marine life and human health. While the blame has been placed on Big Sugar, the industry led by U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals, the issue is complex. Big Sugar has been accused of rerouting overflows to prevent cane fields from flooding, pumping polluted water into the Everglades, and burning nearly half a million acres of sugarcane, polluting the air. Environmentalists demand that Big Sugar returns the land to the state of Florida, allowing natural filtration through the Everglades. However, Big Sugar argues that they are not responsible for most of the nutrients in the lake, with only 10% of phosphorous traced back to sugar farms in a 2011 report. The issue is further complicated by political involvement, with the sugar industry donating millions to Florida politicians and influencing legislation in their favor. Despite criticism, some acknowledge the industry's efforts towards cleanup and support for solutions like the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Phosphorous and other nutrient runoff from sugarcane farms

Phosphorus has been a long-standing enemy of the Everglades, which has evolved to thrive in a low-nutrient environment. Phosphorus and other nutrient runoff from sugarcane farms have been a major concern for environmentalists. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff is a pressing issue worldwide, and the Everglades is no exception.

Sugarcane cultivation has been identified as a special threat to water quality in the Everglades. The Everglades, a unique and fragile ecosystem, has been disrupted by the influx of phosphorus and other nutrients from nearby sugarcane farms. This has resulted in trophic dynamics changes and species invasions, with native vegetation being overtaken by monoculture thickets of cattails.

Farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) have made significant efforts to reduce phosphorus and other nutrient runoff. The implementation of improved farming techniques, scientific soil analysis, and the use of technology have helped improve the quality of water leaving their land. In addition, farmers have delayed drainage and reduced drainage rates to prevent large amounts of soil and phosphorus from entering the Everglades. These measures have resulted in a 68% reduction in harmful nutrients flowing into the Everglades this year, far exceeding the 25% phosphorus reduction mandate written into the 1994 Florida Everglades Forever Act.

However, despite these efforts, the cleanup of Everglades water polluted by Big Sugar continues to face challenges. The powerful sugar industry, led by U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals, has been criticized for its environmental and human rights abuses. Environmentalists have called for Big Sugar to give back the land to the state of Florida, allowing the water to flow naturally and get filtered through the Everglades. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan has been in place for 18 years, but red tide remains a significant problem, impacting the health and economy of the region.

Political influence of Big Sugar

The sugar industry in Florida has been influential in state politics for decades. The industry's emergence can be traced back to the late 1800s, but it was in the early 20th century that it truly flourished. The arrival of sugarcane fields led to the diversion of excess water from Lake Okeechobee to the east and west coasts, causing ecological issues.

The industry's political influence is evident in its ability to shape environmental policies and decisions regarding water management. For example, the passage of Senate Bill 10 in 2017, which called for the construction of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, was influenced by the sugar industry's concerns about losing agricultural land. The industry's opposition led to revisions in the bill, reducing the amount of farmland impacted, and ultimately securing its passage.

In recent years, the sugar industry has donated tens of millions of dollars to Florida politicians and their political action committees (PACs). These donations ensure that the industry has a voice in key decisions and access to influential decision-makers. The industry also employs indirect methods to exert influence, such as funding PACs that support industry-friendly candidates and legislation. These PACs play a crucial role in shaping public opinion through ad campaigns during critical legislative periods.

The sugar industry's political clout is further enhanced by its lobbying efforts at the federal level. Lobbyists advocate for the U.S. sugar program, which includes price supports, tariffs, and import quotas benefiting domestic sugar producers. The industry's influence has resulted in new protections, such as Senate Bill 88, which shields Big Sugar from legal action related to the harmful practice of sugarcane burning.

The political influence of Big Sugar has been a significant obstacle to the Everglades restoration project. To effectively address the pollution caused by the sugar industry and restore the Everglades ecosystem, it is essential to address the underlying political dynamics and advocate for environmental justice.

The impact of sugarcane burning

Sugarcane burning is a traditional practice that involves burning sugarcane fields before harvest to make the process cheaper and easier. However, this practice has been largely discontinued around the world due to concerns about air pollution. In Florida's Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), sugarcane burning continues to be practised, with nearly half a million acres of sugarcane fields burned for up to eight months of the year.

Sugarcane burning also affects the quality of groundwater, with studies showing elevated levels of silica in the groundwater and silicon in the urine of the local population. This is of concern due to the possible link between silica and an epidemic of unknown kidney diseases in agricultural workers. Furthermore, sugarcane burning contributes to increased cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, although the specific impact of sugarcane ash inhalation on cardiovascular health requires further research.

The environmental impact of sugarcane burning extends beyond air and water pollution. It also affects the soil and climate. Green harvesting, an alternative practice, has been shown to reduce climate impacts, regenerate soil, and decrease water pollution. Additionally, sugarcane burning hinders the Everglades restoration project by polluting the water with phosphorus and other nutrients that run off from sugarcane farms. This pollution fuels the growth of unwanted vegetation, clogging the river systems that are crucial for maintaining healthy water levels in South Florida.

The role of environmental groups in holding Big Sugar accountable

Environmental groups have played a significant role in holding Big Sugar accountable for its impact on the Everglades. Big Sugar is a powerful industry that has long been associated with environmental and human rights abuses, particularly in the Everglades region of Florida.

One of the primary concerns regarding Big Sugar's impact on the Everglades is water pollution. Sugarcane farms in the Everglades Agricultural Area contribute to water pollution by allowing phosphorous and other nutrients to run off into the water. This pollution has led to the growth of cattails and other vegetation that clog the rivers and waterways, disrupting the natural water flow and filtration process. Environmentalists have called for Big Sugar to relinquish its land back to the state of Florida, allowing for the restoration of the Everglades' natural water flow and the reduction of pollution.

In addition to water pollution, Big Sugar has also been criticized for its practice of burning sugarcane. The industry has been protected from legal action related to sugarcane burning by state regulations, such as Florida's Senate Bill 88 passed in 2021. Environmental groups have advocated for an end to these protections and for stricter regulations on sugarcane burning, which pollutes the air and contributes to climate change.

Environmental organizations have also been active in calling out greenwashing attempts by large companies, including those in the sugar industry. For example, Coca-Cola has been accused of greenwashing by environmental groups like Greenpeace and Oceana, who argue that the company's recent change to clear Sprite bottles is an attempt to avoid accountability for its plastic waste generation. These organizations have called on Coca-Cola to transition from single-use plastic bottles to refillable bottles to address the plastic pollution crisis genuinely.

While Big Sugar and the sugar industry have a significant economic impact and provide employment to thousands, environmental groups emphasize the need for accountability and genuine efforts to mitigate their negative environmental impact. This includes addressing water pollution, air pollution, and contributing to ecological disasters, such as Florida's red tide. Environmental groups play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes, raising public awareness, and holding Big Sugar accountable for its actions and their consequences on the fragile Everglades ecosystem.

The effectiveness of Everglades restoration projects

The Everglades, a region of tropical wetlands in southern Florida, has been subjected to degradation and pollution, with Big Sugar being a major contributor. The restoration of the Everglades is an ongoing and complex process involving multiple projects and initiatives. While some progress has been made, the overall effectiveness of these restoration projects remains a challenge due to various obstacles.

One of the major challenges in restoring the Everglades is addressing the water pollution caused by phosphorous and other nutrient runoff from sugarcane farms and other agricultural activities. This pollution fuels the growth of toxic algae, clogging waterways and causing ecological, economic, and health issues. While efforts have been made to clean up the water, it has been a struggle, and some critics argue that Big Sugar needs to give up more of its acreage for water restoration work to be truly effective.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), authorized in 2000, is a multi-billion-dollar plan with 68 different project components. It includes initiatives such as the C-43 Reservoir project, which aims to improve water flow to the Caloosahatchee during dry periods, and the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, which involves constructing pump stations, plugging canals, and restoring water flow. While CERP has made progress, it has also faced challenges, including bureaucratic delays and changing economic conditions.

Another aspect of Everglades restoration is the construction of Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). More than 36,000 acres of STAs have been built to filter phosphorus from the water, with one STA covering 17,000 acres, making it the largest environmental restoration project in the world. Additionally, the State of Florida has purchased 55% of the land necessary for restoration, totaling over 200,000 acres. However, the overall effectiveness of these projects has been hindered by factors such as oil exploration projects, which threaten thousands of acres of land and may have adverse impacts on water, wildlife, and vegetation.

The restoration of the Kissimmee River, a major tributary to Lake Okeechobee, is another significant project. The original river was replaced by a shorter canal, resulting in the loss of marshland and habitat. The restoration project aimed to restore the river's natural flow and involved converting 44 miles of the canal back to its natural state, as well as restoring 20,000 acres of wetlands. This project faced delays and cost overruns, with a projected cost of $578 million for 35 kilometers of the canal.

While the Everglades restoration projects have shown some progress, the overall effectiveness remains a challenge due to the complex nature of the projects, bureaucratic delays, and the ongoing pollution caused by Big Sugar and other agricultural practices. A combination of political will, environmental advocacy, and collaborative efforts between government agencies and private entities is necessary to fully realize the restoration of the Everglades.

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