‘Can’t be good’: Fort Lauderdale Looking Into Possible Pollution Concerns in New River

Residents of Fort Lauderdale are voicing growing concerns over potential pollution being discharged into the New River downtown. With murky water frequently seen pumping into the river, neighbors are calling on city officials to take immediate action to address the issue, which they say has persisted for months.

Pollution in the New River: A Recurring Issue

Several residents have noticed murky water being pumped into the river near Huizenga Park, close to the railroad tracks. The discharges, captured by Chopper 6 footage, have reportedly occurred multiple times a day, leading to increased anxiety among locals. Kimberly Christie, a resident of a nearby condo, expressed her alarm over the potential impact on the river’s ecosystem. “We have manatees, we have tarpon, we even have rays, bull sharks, and a lot of vegetation for the manatees. This pollution will kill everything off,” she warned.

For Christie and others who enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s natural beauty, the sight of pollution affecting marine life has become unbearable. “I can’t even imagine what’s in this water,” Christie added. Fellow resident David Orange shared similar concerns, pointing out that the discharges are also hurting the area’s tourism appeal. “I’ve watched tourists on the Jungle Queen boat go, ‘eww, eww look,’” he said. “It can’t be good for tourism to see that ugly thing come out.”

City Investigation Underway

Despite growing frustration among residents, Fort Lauderdale city officials are still trying to determine the exact source of the pollution. In an email sent on Friday, city representatives admitted they are uncertain where the sediment is coming from but assured the community that an investigation is underway. They have been focusing on nearby construction sites, particularly in downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Flagler Village area, to ensure that proper protective measures are in place to prevent construction debris from entering the stormwater system.

City inspectors were seen examining the stormwater system as recently as Friday morning. Their goal is to identify whether construction sites in the area are adhering to regulations that require them to use inlet protection devices. These devices are crucial for preventing debris from entering water systems and contributing to pollution. However, it remains unclear if the inspections will lead to concrete actions or if the issue will continue to persist.

Urgent Calls for Action

Frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of urgency from the city, some residents began raising concerns weeks ago, yet they say little has changed. While the city’s investigation is still ongoing, neighbors are calling for faster and more decisive measures to stop the discharges and preserve the health of the river’s ecosystem. With wildlife and tourism at risk, residents like Christie and Orange believe the time for action is now.

“We’ve been dealing with this for months, and we want it to stop immediately,” said Christie. As the investigation continues, residents remain vigilant, determined to protect the New River from further pollution and ensure that Fort Lauderdale remains a vibrant, eco-friendly destination.