Santa Fe Springs, LLC (Sawdust Springs) Water Bottling "Pipe Dream"
 
 
      www.oursantaferiver.org

           1-386-454-4446 

     oursantafe@hotmail.com 

 
 Hello Everyone,
The outcome of Thursday (Sept. 17, 2009) night's Columbia County BOCC meeting was a group of elected officials strongly in favor in protecting our public natural resources
 
The Columbia County BOCC will be sending a letter representing their concerns and ours.  When we receive it, we will forward it to you all.  They decided unanimously to show written support in keeping water bottlers out of the watershed of the Santa Fe River in southern Columbia County.  They will not allow any type of pipeline nor allow any industrial construction relating to such a business anywhere near the springs or river. 
 
The letter will be written to Mr. David Still, Executive Director of SRWMD and also to state officials.  Mr. Still has not responded to Mr. Cheeseman's request to the District for modifications to an existing Water Use Permit.  It is possible that such a strong position from Columbia County may send this WUP into a revocation process since Mr. Cheeseman only had 2 years ago to act on his permit...technically he is overdue. 
 
Mr. Cheeseman has never submitted a completed permit application in either Columbia County or Ft. White.
 
I am thankful and proud of Columbia County, especially our own District elected Commissioner, Mr. Dewey Weaver, for standing up to this type of business and being a staunch advocate of protecting our natural resources.  It was also reassuring to know that citizens such as the Cannons from Levy County, and groups such as Save Our Suwannee, got our backs when it comes to being the voice of the River.  They spoke intelligently...with facts.  AND, it was great to see many familiar faces in the audience.  OSFR thanks you.  The River thanks you.  
 
This letter is a BIG step in the right direction, but it is not over...yet.  The WUP must be revoked by SRWMD for it to be over.
 
Also...Please read a terrific story at the end of this short trail; about 2 "lawyerless" people who voiced opposition to a land development in Marion County and WON
It is wonderful to know that people just like you and me still have a voice in how land and water gets used. 
 
Thank you too for all your letters, phone calls and support.
Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson
president, OSFR
please note, I can be reached at 386-454-4446 (leave a message, I will call back)    
 
 
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Bottling plant may open in Fort White

Conservation group to take business to task; facility could mean 50 new jobs.

By TONY BRITT
Published: Thursday, September 17, 2009 6:11 AM EDT
A request to place infrastructure on county property by a Columbia County property owner attempting to establish a future bottled water plant in Fort White could have a bearing on the Santa Fe River’s health.
 
read morehttp://www.lakecityreporter.com/articles/2009/09/17/news/doc4ab1acc05dc35256183456.txt
 
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Commission rejects proposal for pipeline

Officials will not allow water to be piped from Santa Fe river for bottling plant.

By TONY BRITT
Published: Friday, September 18, 2009 6:11 AM EDT
Columbia County officials will not allow a pipeline on its property which takes water from the Santa Fe River to a proposed water bottling plant in Fort White.
 
read more:  http://lakecityreporter.com/articles/2009/09/18/news/doc4ab302f8c06ae349725114.txt
 
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SRWMD Sets Meeting To Address Water Supply Planning For The Upper Santa Fe River Basin
The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) will hold a workshop to discuss water supply planning for the Upper Santa Fe River Basin.
 
read more:  http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/59455547.html
 
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Crist, Cabinet reject 800-home community in Marion County

By Kris Hundley, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Wednesday, September 16, 2009


Gov. Charlie Crist and Florida's Cabinet voted Tuesday morning in support of two citizens who argued there was no need for a new residential development in Marion County.

read more:  http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/crist-cabinet-reject-800-home-community-in-marion-county/1036380