A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s order that placed a moratorium on new septic tank installations in parts of the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, because of concern for manatees, multiple media outlets reported. The moratorium took effect July 17.
In a 2-1 decision, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. District judge’s ruling. Both courts ruled that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection must stop issuing permits for constructing and installing septic systems in the watershed. In addition, the state must implement a biomedical assessment program and supplemental feeding program for manatees in the region.Manatees
