Resolution No. 21-82vRESOLUTION NO. 21-82
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC
BEACH, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR ACTIONS TO STOP THE
SHIPPING OF COAL ASH ON THE ST. JOHNS RIVER AND INTO
JACKSONVILE PORTS; ENCOURAGING ALL JACKSONVILLE PORT
FACILITIES TO CEASE RECEIVING AND/OR REFUSE THE ACCEPTANCE
OF COAL ASH; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the St. Johns River, Jacksonville beaches, and surrounding waterways are critical
to the ecology, quality of life and economic vitality of Northeast Florida; and
WHEREAS,the recent barge accident off the coast of Jacksonville that resulted in the release of
thousands of tons of imported coal ash into the ocean resulted in environmental and human health risk
imposed upon Jacksonville communities by this disposal practice; and
WHEREAS, coal ash is a waste product from the burning of coal in power plants that contains
toxic contaminants like mercury, cadmium, lead, selenium, and arsenic; and
WHEREAS,United States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)and state regulations include
requirements for proper management and disposal of coal ash to ensure protection of groundwater, surface
water, and public health; and
WHEREAS,the United States Environmental Protection Agency indicates that,"[w]ithout proper
management,these contaminants can pollute waterways, ground water, drinking water, and the air"; and
WHEREAS, the Puerto Rico legislature passed laws in 2017 banning the disposal of coal ash in
its landfills due to serious health concerns, forcing the AES power plant to ship its coal ash to an Osceola
County landfill; and
WHEREAS,the Osceola Board of County Commissioners voted on May 13,2019,to request that
Waste Connections of Osceola County, LLC, cease receiving coal ash from Puerto Rico at the JED
Landfill in Osceola County; and
WHEREAS,the actions of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners resulted in coal ash being
shipped on the St. Johns River into Jacksonville's port en route to a landfill in Folkston, Georgia; and
WHEREAS,as evidenced by the recent spill,this imported waste puts the health, of the St. Johns
River and Jacksonville beaches at risk.
WHEREAS,coal ash spills in Jacksonville waterways can cause substantial harm to the ecology,
local economy and the financial viability of businesses that rely on tourism and clean, safe waterways;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach is committed to being stewards of the environment and
Resolution 21-82 Page 1 of 2
supporters of the region's economic vitality, to the greatest extent possible; and
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach,
Florida:
SECTION 1. That the City Commission finds the foregoing to be true and accurate.
SECTION 2. That the City Commission expresses its support for actions to stop the shipping of
coal ash on the St. Johns River and into Jacksonville ports and strongly encourages all Jacksonville public
and private port facilities to cease receiving and/or refuse the acceptance of coal ash due to the potential
harmful impacts to human health, and local waterways and beaches.
SECTION 3.That the City Commission encourages federal and state agencies to undergo a review
of their emergency and notification procedures pertaining to the transport of and unauthorized discharge
of coal ash and other waste products into oceans, rivers and other waterways.
SECTION 4. That the City Commission encourages federal and state agencies to be required to
designate a public information officer following incidents involving the unauthorized discharge of coal
ash and other waste products into oceans, rivers and other waterways.
SECTION 5. That the City Commission directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this
Resolution to each member of the Jacksonville City Council, the Jacksonville Waterways Commission,
the Governor of Florida,the Florida Legislature's Duval County legislative delegation,and the members
of U.S. Congress representing Duval County.
SECTION 6. That all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with this Resolution are
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 7. That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach, this 13`h day
of December, 2021.
eeat,,7
El en lasser, Mayor
Atte
esstt: 4
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
Bre NI) . D ity Attorney
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