J. MAST 2182 HAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515

18TH DISTRICT, FIORIDA {202) 225-3025
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AVENUE
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FOREIGN AFFAIRS ..
COMMWEE 15011512 at i?epresmttatmes

Washington, EDGE 20515?0918

July 5, 2018

COL Jason A. Kirk

District Commander
Jacksonville District

US. Army Corps of Engineers
701 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Dear Colonel Kirk:

As you know, recent satellite images of Lake Okeechobee by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration show that more than 90 percent of the lake is currently covered in
algal blooms. Algal blooms discharged recently from Lake Okeechobee have tested positive for
toxins. These blooms, therefore, pose a signi?cant threat to human health and safety.

You are charged with protecting human safety, yet are currently scheduled to resume discharges
from Lake Okeechobee on Monday, July 9, 2018. Because these blooms present a more
imminent and dangerous threat to public health and safety than anything else, I formally request
that you not resume discharges on July 9, 2018 and that the Army Corps cease discharges until
you can prove de?nitively that the toxins no longer exist or a greater imminent threat emerges.

    

.n Mast 
Member of Congress

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