A proposed desalination plant in Hillsborough County, Fla., cleared its last major legal hurdle recently when a judge recommended state environmental officials issue a permit to operate the plant, according to a St. Petersburg Times report. In a 106-page ruling, the judge quashed the arguments of Save Our Bays and Canals, a group of residents who argued the plant's residue will harm marine life in the bay. The group had argued in August that strict monitoring of the plant is needed to ensure the amount of oxygen and salt residue pumped into the bay remains within safe levels. The judge found their arguments were without merit, and sided with Tampa Bay Desal, the private company building the plant.
"Tampa Bay Desal provided reasonable assurances that the proposed discharge will meet ¿surface water standards set to protect recreational uses, including fishing and swimming, and protect the water body for the propagation of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife," wrote the judge.