Heart of Florida Deep Well Injection Opposition
Summary
Sumter County wants to inject landfill leachate into a class I deep well near the Heart of Florida Landfill. LCWA hydrogeologist Blanche Hardy said the site sits in karst geology above 2,600 feet of freshwater and near 729 potable wells — she called it a very bad idea. The Board directed staff to bring back a formal resolution of opposition with a cover letter.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 23, 2026.
Impact analysis
Residents currently get no tipping-fee reduction for hosting the well risk; alternatives like wastewater plant treatment cost more.
Residents who rely on the Floridan Aquifer for drinking water.
If approved elsewhere, a well failure could contaminate the region's future drinking-water supply.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of County Commissioners - Jun 23, 2026
The county formally opposes Sumter County's deep well injection project, which residents warned could threaten the aquifer with benzene and industrial waste — including waste shipped in from Miami-Dade. A letter goes to the state environmental agency, and lawmakers may see it as a legislative priority.
Board of County Commissioners - Jun 9, 2026
Sumter County wants to inject landfill leachate into a class I deep well near the Heart of Florida Landfill. LCWA hydrogeologist Blanche Hardy said the site sits in karst geology above 2,600 feet of freshwater and near 729 potable wells — she called it a very bad idea. The Board directed staff to bring back a formal resolution of opposition with a cover letter.
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