"TALLAHASSEE -- A political battle is heating up between Florida and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over how best to clean up the state's polluted waters.

A lawsuit filed by environmentalists has forced the EPA to begin setting hard numeric limits on nutrient pollution in Florida waters. Those waters exceeding the limits would be considered "impaired," triggering forced reductions on polluters.

The environmental groups say they were forced to file the suit in July 2008 because the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had done little to halt the degradation of rivers, lakes, springs and bays. Nutrients, mostly from fertilizers and minimally treated sewage, can trigger algae blooms that are deadly to fish and unhealthy for humans."

Mike Salinero reports for the Tampa Tribune March 12, 2010. [2]