Residents gathered in Bartow on Tuesday night to hear details about Mosaic’s plan to drill two exploratory wells that could later be used to inject treated wastewater thousands of feet underground.

Mosaic and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) described the project as part of a lengthy, closely regulated approval process. Company officials stressed that the initial permits would allow only test drilling at depths of about 8,000 feet.

“This is just to ensure the well works,” said Jackie Barron, Mosaic’s public affairs manager. “A separate review would still be required before any water could be injected.”

If approved, the wells would give the phosphate company another disposal option for wastewater from mining operations. Barron called it “another tool in the toolbox” for managing water in a changing environment, while noting Mosaic might not use the wells frequently.

Some scientists argue deep-well injection is safer than surface storage. “Storing treated water thousands of feet underground is far safer than discharging at the surface,” said David Brown, a hydrogeologist who consults with Mosaic.

But environmental groups remain opposed. “All wells eventually leak,” said Glenn Compton, director of ManaSota-88. “Once groundwater is contaminated, it’s permanent.”

DEP officials said more than 220 industrial wastewater wells currently operate under strict monitoring and five-year re-permitting requirements. “We closely review casing designs to protect drinking water aquifers,” said John Coates, DEP’s director of water resource management.

The permitting process could take months. Public comments on the Bartow test well will be accepted through Sept. 16, with another meeting scheduled Wednesday for a second proposed well at Mosaic’s New Wales facility in Mulberry. Residents can submit feedback online at app@floridaDEP.gov.

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