Starlite Film Productions: News

 

Please note: This is a copy of a Letter dated November 4, 2010

 

 

Dr. Lisa Conti

Director Division of Environmental Health

Florida Department of Health

Tallahassee , Fla. 32399

 

Dear Dr. Conti,

I am writing to you from the small community of Fanning Springs, Fla.

Our springs are no longer safe to drink from or swim in. Our river is no longer safe to fish from and everyday is becoming more polluted. Our groundwater is poisoned with nitrates and iron and is not fit to drink. Our environment is struggling to survive.

As a concerned citizen and environmental activist, I feel a responsibility to the community to do all I can in protecting the welfare of our environment.

In 1998, after contemplating suicide, I thought of the many friends I had lost due to suicide. It soon occurred to me that they all had lived in the same area as I was living. At the time, I was aware of 7 victims. To date, there have been 30 suicides within this same area. If my calculations are correct, this area measures approx. 80 square miles.

As I researched the area, I became aware of three very important health risks. One was the high concentration of iron in the groundwater. My father was a well driller in this area for over 30 years and spoke often of iron sediment in pipe casings. I researched the metal iron and found it to be toxic if one consumed an abundance. Over a period of time iron is also capable of storing in human organs and causing considerable damage.

The other concern I have is the possibility of a Magnetic Field within this same area. I feel the effects of magnetism when I am in a certain area, within this area. I believe what I am feeling is familiar with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Another possibility for a magnetic field may be the power transmission lines that border this area and/or the substations within? There have been numerous reports of careless fatal accidents, mostly traffic, within the area. I experienced a blackout while driving in the area and have spoken to others that have also blacked out while driving within this same area.

At the time of the Civil War, a Hematite foundry was in operation within this area. Hematite consist of 70% iron and 30% oxygen. This foundry was located a short distance west of Waccasassa Swamp. This swamp is located on the east side of the area of concern. I believe this mineral, Hematite, received it’s magnetic properties from swamp bacteria and possibly coal ash. I went in search of this mineral, but was unable to complete my journey. I got within two miles of the location when I began to feel extremely depressed, short of breath, very emotional and a lost of direction. I talked my way through the situation and was able to safely leave the area. After traveling approximately one mile west of this area, I began to feel normal again.

In 2005, I mailed a letter of concern to Mr. Green at the EPA in Jacksonville regarding my findings. When I did not hear from Mr. Green, I called the office and spoke with John Davis. Mr. Davis advised me that this was not enough of a concern to act upon.

I wrote additional letters of concern to Governor Bush, Mayors of the surrounding towns, Governor Crist, State Senator Steve Olerich and to the Board of the Levy County Commissioners. My letters were not acknowledged.

In 2006, I sent a letter of concern along with a written petition to the EPA in Tallahassee. Mr. Bart Bibler contacted me and our concern was forwarded to the Levy County Environmental Health Department. Due to a low county budget, the Health department was only able to test 5 water wells. Out of the 5 wells tested only 2 tested positive for excess iron. I was advised that this was not enough of a concern to issue a health notice of any kind. As far as the Magnetic field is concerned I am not sure if this was investigated or not.

This area also has high concentrations of Nitrates in the groundwater and our Springs. I am aware that this is a concern to the EPA and solutions to this problem are being taken into consideration. My concern to this is that the springs and river are still open to the public and a health notice has not yet been issued.

There are numerous dairies in this area and it may be possible that Anaerobic Nitrate Dependent Iron is involved. I have read that nitrates should be completely removed in environments where Fe(II) is present.

When there was another suicide, I knew then that I had to bring awareness to the situation by other means.

In 2009, I formed Starlite Film Productions. As an Independent Filmmaker, I hope that by sharing my story it will enlighten others of the environmental hazards in their communities. The website can be viewed at: starlitefilmproductions.com

I have enclosed map, tests, letters and a list of my research material. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Any help or advice you can offer will be gratefully appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Gloria Ann Clay

Area resident 50 yrs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This article was originally written by Vanessa Fultz @ SRWMD

~ This fall is the perfect time to paddle the Suwannee ~

LIVE OAK, FL, October 27, 2011 – In autumn, the landscape surrounding the Suwannee River is scenic and serene, making it a perfect time to paddle.

Temperatures have cooled. Trees that flank the river boast hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple. Several wildlife species often make an appearance – deer, turkey, wading birds, otters, and the Suwannee Cooter among them.

This year, paddlers may have an even better experience.

Drought conditions felt in the Suwannee River Basin over the last several months have drawn down water levels. As a result, sand bars, limerock banks, and tree roots along the river are clearly exposed in some areas and provide a unique glimpse of what lies beneath the water’s surface.

Bleached-white sand bars provide a striking contrast against the dark, tea-colored water. Tree roots that wind and run among rock in some areas are fascinating to behold. The exposed thicket-like root system of the Ogeechee tupelo add depth and dimension to the trees’ multiple, irregular branches. Cypress knees, the tops of which are seen above the surface during normal water levels, are now exposed from the bottom up.

“Now is a great time to paddle the river,” said Edwin McCook, District land management specialist, noting that the fall foliage should continue through mid November.

Low water levels are not expected to change any time soon. A rainfall deficit of nearly 25 inches has persisted in the Upper Suwannee River Basin over the last several months, and with the end of hurricane season quickly approaching and La Nina weather patterns in the region, there is a reduced expectation of any significant precipitation to bring us out of the drought, said Megan Wetherington, District senior professional engineer.

However, Wetherington said water levels are still sufficient to paddle on many sections of the river, although some places may not be a lazy float.

“Everything downstream of Gibson Park in Hamilton County is doable, but from Suwannee Springs down to Gibson Park you might hit bottom in a few places,” she said.

She added that much of the Upper Suwannee can be difficult to paddle now, but a great trip for a flavor of that section of the river is from Cone Bridge to Big Shoals.

“There’s plenty of water there since Big Shoals naturally restricts water,” she said.

Paddlers who are looking to take an overnight trip may enjoy staying at a cabin or rustic river camp along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, a system of public and private recreation spots along the river, downstream from White Springs. For more information and/or to reserve lodging, call 800.868.9914 or visit www.suwanneeriver.com.

Article courtesy of Suwannee River Water Management District

Water Quality at Risk

Nutrient Pollution in Florida

By mkelly@cleanwater.org

Blue-green algal blooms are popping up across Florida's waterways and causing a big stink for residents and tourists. Nutrient pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorous are invading Florida's waterways and causing these dangerous outbreaks.

Toxic algae has a foul smell and can cause serious harm to humans and animals alike, not to mention cause devastating impacts to our state's critical fishing and tourism economies.

These pollutants come from urban and industrial sources, and heavily-used fertilizers and pesticides are the culprits. Residents, agricultural operations, large-scale industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants all send untreated pollution into our rivers and streams.

Over the years, high nitrogen and phosphorus levels have had devastating impacts on Florida's commercial fishing economy, which is among the most profitable in the nation. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that commercial fishing alone generates $5.6 billion in in-state sales and creates over 108,000 Florida jobs annually. However, this success depends directly on healthy fish populations.

Over the past five years, dangerous algal blooms have led to inedible fish populations in the St. Johns, St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers, causing fishing industries to shut down entirely for months at a time. Florida's residents cannot continue to sustain this loss of revenue and jobs due to unregulated pollution.

Though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has explicitly told Florida to adopt long-overdue water quality standards, many polluting industries and Florida's Congressional Delegation strongly oppose such standards, claiming the cost of compliance will inordinately burden business and negatively impact local economies.

The National Academy of Science (NAS) has been asked to conduct an investigation into the economic impacts of the EPA's proposed numeric nutrients rule and give guidance on appropriate actions to be taken. Clean Water Action and its environmental partners have urged the NAS to consider not only the cost of cleanup by polluting industries in their analysis, but also the benefits that a clean and safe water supply will have on the numerous economies that put a majority of Florida's residents to work each year, such as fishing and tourism.

Florida's heaviest polluters should also bear the heaviest burden when it comes to cleaning up our state's nitrogen and phosphorous overloads. Clean Water Action urges Florida's decision-makers to ensure that the public is not forced to shoulder the costs while private industries take all the financial gains.

When the body is electrically grounded to the earth, a natural electron shield (faraday cage) is created on the surface of the body. This natural shield then prevents environmental 50-60 Hz electric fields from creating electron disturbances in the body that elevate free radical levels and promote chronic inflammation and related chronic pain.

The human body, in modern times, is most chronically exposed to common household and workplace 50-60 Hz electric fields that continuously radiate from all electrical wiring and plugged in cords. When the body is insulated from the earth and is in the proximity of an electric field, the body becomes a dipole antenna that measurably attracts an electric field’s lines of force. This causes the lines of force to become denser between the body and the electric field’s source. The known effect of an electric field on the body is that it excites (disturbs) electrons of the body and creates unnatural induced voltage in the body. (US Dept of Energy, DOE/EE-0040) (On The Physics of Fields, Dolbear, Science, Volume 14, Issue 360, 442-444.)

*Additional Information on Healthfully Grounding Your Body can be found at the following link: 

 

http://www.drbillyhealth.com/10052007/grounding-the-body-to-earth-reduces-inflammation-pain/

"The most plausible explanation for the association between geomagnetic activity and depression and suicide is that geomagnetic storms can desynchronise circadian rhythms and melatonin production," says Kelly Posner, a psychiatrist at Columbia University in the US.

The pineal gland, which regulates circadian rhythm and melatonin production, is sensitive to magnetic fields. "The circadian regulatory system depends upon repeated environmental cues to [synchronise] internal clocks," says Posner. "Magnetic fields may be one of these environmental cues."

Geomagnetic storms could disrupt body clocks, precipitating seasonal affective disorder and therefore increase suicide risk, Posner told New Scientist.

There seems little doubt that the brain responds to electromagnetic fields - coils that generate electromagnetic fields can trigger muscular twitches when placed over a person's skull.

However, Shumilov, who was presenting his data at the European Geoscience Union (EGU) annual meeting in Vienna, Austria, last week, does not believe geomagnetic activity influences everyone equally.

 READ MORE:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13769-does-the-earths-magnetic-field-cause-suicides.html

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Regarding Florida SB550 by Handyman 22

 

Florida Senate Bill SB550 Deceiving Florida Residents

Federal regulators to announce new Florida water pollution standards Monday

TALLAHASSEE —

The federal Environmental Protection Agency is set to announce new water pollution standards as part of it's settlement of a lawsuit filed by environmental groups.

The rules are designed to abate pollution, including discharges from inefficient sewage treatment plants and septic tanks that's choking lakes, rivers and other interior Florida waters with algae blooms. The EPA is scheduled to introduce the rules Monday.

Politicians, including new Governor-elect Rick Scott says the rules will be too costly and set back Florida's economic recovery.

Scott and his Republican cabinet sent a letter to the EPA saying the standards will impose capital costs of over $4 billion on municipal wastewater treatment utilities and over $17 billion on municipal storm water utilities.

 

~ THE QUALITY OF OUR DRINKING WATER ~

Fanning Springs, Florida -

I learned of the “Nitrate” contamination in our groundwater when I read a local news article.

In the May 21, 2009 Levy County Journal article, Carol Lippincott, coordinator of the Fanning and Manatee Springs Working Group noted, that the water flowing from the spring run at Manatee Springs State Park carries 1,233 pounds of nitrates invisible to the naked eye daily, while the water coming from the spring at Fanning Springs State Park carries an even heavier daily load, 1,657 pounds of invisible nitrates.

Fanning Springs has the fourth highest concentration of nitrates among springs in Florida. Manatee Springs is in the top 20 percent of springs with high nitrate concentrations. The article was very informative as the news writer went on to say that protecting the springs also protects the drinking water of the area. The springs are openings in the Florida Aquifer, the subsurface limestone formation that provides most of the tri-county area with its drinking water.

To better inform you about the dangers of Nitrates and Iron in your drinking water, I am posting the following information that I obtained from the Florida Department Of Health Website.

Risks from Nitrate Source:

A common source of excess concentrations of nitrate in drinking water is the application of fertilizers. Other sources include raw sewage and cattle feedlots. Nitrate and ammonia compounds are extremely soluble in water. Nitrate (NO3) and the ammonium ion (NH4) are converted by microorganisms in the soil or in septage to nitrite (NO2). Nitrates are also converted to nitrites in the human alimentary tract. Health Effects: When ingested in drinking water, nitrites, and nitrates that are converted to nitrites, react with hemoglobin in the blood to form methemoglobin -- creating a condition known as methemoglobinemia. This condition reduces the efficiency of the body's blood-oxygen transport system. This is a dangerous condition for everyone. However, babies, because their relatively low blood volumes, are particularly susceptible, and methemoglobinemia (sometimes known as "Blue Baby Syndrome") is often fatal.

Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest concentration of nitrate allowed in drinking water is 10 parts per million. *** Be sure to check for the lastest updates on Maximum Contaminant Levels at the Florida Department of Health website ***

Risks from Iron overload:

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) warns Floridians with certain health conditions to avoid consuming raw oysters, which often harbor the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus that may cause serious illness. Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in the warm waters of the Gulf coast, particularly during the summer months. While otherwise healthy persons eating raw oysters with this bacterium are less susceptible to becoming ill, at-risk individuals are more likely to become extremely ill or potentially die. Those most at-risk for developing serious illness from Vibrio vulnificus include heavy drinkers with liver damage or individuals with liver disease. Other at-risk conditions include hemochromatosis (iron overload), diabetes, cancer, stomach disorders or any illness or treatment that weakens the immune system. People in these high-risk groups are also at risk of illness if they have wounds, cuts or scratches and wade in estuarine areas or seawater where the bacteria might be present. Thoroughly cooking oysters, either by frying, stewing or roasting, eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses in the meat. Consuming raw oysters that have undergone a post-harvest treatment process to eliminate the bacteria can also reduce the risk of illness. Initial symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection can include mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, followed by distinctive swollen skin lesions and septicemia (blood poisoning). Individuals experiencing these symptoms after consuming raw oysters should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and antibiotic treatment. To date, one death has been reported in 2009, attributed to raw oyster consumption and there has been one wound infection. In 2008, DOH investigated 15 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, five of which resulted in death. Eight cases were attributed to wounds (two of these died), and seven to raw oyster consumption (three of these died). DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida.

For more information about DOH’s Food and Water Borne Disease Program, visit www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/medicine/foodsurveillance/. Additional information is also available by visiting the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference website at www.issc.org/Education/VibrioVulnificus.aspx  or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/vibriov_gi.html.

In the November 27, 2009 issue of the Chiefland Citizen newspaper, news writer Mark Scohier informed readers that Terry Hansen, a representative from FDEP, said the state would be trying to control the high levels of nitrate pollution in the area by continuing to enforce guidelines and ordinances, such as the fertilizer ordinance and the springs’ protection ordinance—both a part of the Clean Water Act of 1987.

The Fanning and Manatee Springs Working Group’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb 18, 2010 at Fanning Springs City Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

This article is titled “OFFICIALS MEET, DISCUSS FUTURE OF AERA SPRINGS” and can be viewed on the Press page of my website. It was written by Mark Scohier and originally appeared in the Chiefland Citizen newspaper on November 27, 2009.

I hope this information regarding Nitrates and Iron has been helpful to you. I wasn’t aware of my allergy to shellfish until I became severely ill after eating crabmeat. If you believe your drinking water contains high levels of iron, be cautioned when eating any shellfish or fish that eat shellfish as this can be very dangerous.

Good health to all,

Gloria Ann Clay