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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Environmental Protection Agency

Zephyrhills joins water contamination lawsuit

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The City of Zephyrhills — also known as “The City of Pure Water” — is joining a massive federal lawsuit regarding contaminated water.

The municipality is set to become a plaintiff in a multi-district litigation case filed against various companies that manufactured firefighting foams — Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) — containing a series of man-made chemicals found to contaminate groundwater, wastewater and water wells.

Zephyrhills will join more than 100 other cities and water treatment facilities across the country in a federal lawsuit that is going after various companies that manufactured firefighting foam containing chemicals found to contaminate water wells. (File)

The chemicals in question are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), compounds historically used in carpets, clothing, food packaging and a number of industrial processes. The chemicals have been linked to human health effects, such as low infant birth weights, immune system suppression, thyroid hormone disruption and cancer, according to health organizations, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously voted on May 11 to enter negotiations for representation with Cossich, Summich, Parsiola and Taylor LLC., a New Orleans-based litigation firm. Local co-counsel will include Tampa-based firms Hobby & Hobby P.A. and Young & Partners LLP. The action came during a virtual council meeting.

Zephyrhills will join more than 100 other cities and water treatment facilities across the country in the lawsuit. Other plaintiffs are as far away as California and North Dakota, and within Florida, including Pensacola and Lauderhill.

The New Orleans firm is known for its work in securing a $7.8 billion settlement for plaintiffs in the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill case back in 2010. The firm told city leaders it will front the cost of litigation and expert work on a contingency, then would accept a settlement fee.

Officials say high levels of PFOA/PFOS have been discovered in Water Well No. 1 utilized by the city’s downtown fire station for training purposes, dating as far back as 2014.

Samples taken from the well in 2014 showed PFOA/PFOS levels of 160 parts per trillion in water, lower than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) levels of acceptability of 200 parts per trillion at the time, officials say.

However, in 2016 the EPA established new health advisory levels of PFOA/PFOS at just 70 parts per trillion. Because of that, the well was subsequently taken offline and was no longer in service when follow-up tests measured 120 parts per trillion of PFOA/PFOS, officials say.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said that staff is working with environmental engineering group Jones Edmunds on monitoring wells and “to try to delineate contamination plume.”

Poe expects the EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection to make requirements for PFOA/PFOS remediation and removal, which he said “will have a very large price tag attached to it.”

Clarke Hobby of Hobby & Hobby P.A., will serve as co-counsel for the City of Zephyrhills, who will be a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against companies and manufacturers that used a series of man-made chemicals in firefighting foam found to contaminate water wells. (File)

City attorney Matt Maggard concurred with the city manager’s assessment. He emphasized the need to partner with the multiple litigation firms to seek damages from companies that used PFOS/PFAS chemicals in AFFF production.

Maggard put it like this: “Cleanup is coming, and it’s going to be very, very expensive, and I think we should protect the city and seek compensation from these companies. It’s really negligent what they did, in my opinion, as far as knowing the dangers of these chemicals and letting them go out into the public the way they did.”

Attorney Clarke Hobby, a partner in Hobby & Hobby P.A., originally brought the matter to the city’s attention.

A Dade City native who normally deals in real estate and land use matters, Hobby said he felt a calling to be involved and assist the municipality with the developing case.

The attorney said he believes the EPA will even further lower the levels of acceptability for PFOS/PFOA in water sources because “they’re finding that this stuff is not water soluble and it just doesn’t go away and it is a serious threat to water quality.”

Said Hobby, “I just don’t want Zephyrhills to get on the hook for what a multi-, multi-billion company knew about 40 years ago and continued to put it on the market, and leave us holding the bag.”

He added: “The liability for creating this chemical contamination should lie with the manufacturers who knew about this for a long time and allowed the contamination to continue over a longer period of time.”

Upon hearing comments from Hobby, as well as representatives from Cossich, Summich, Parsiola and Taylor LLC, and city administration, the council agreed it was important to move forward in the legal process.

“We definitely have to act on this,” said Council president Ken Burgess.

Councilman Charles Proctor added, “It sounds to me like we are going to deal with this, probably sooner rather than later, so if we’re going to hire a group of attorneys, we would want to hire a (law firm) that’s familiar with this sort of litigation.”

Published May 27, 2020

Keep Your Family Healthy With A Free Air Duct Inspection

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CJ White has two very good reasons to keep his home’s air duct system free of dust and dander – 3-year-old Olivia and 6-month-old Landon.

“Nothing is more important than the health of my children, and I know how important indoor air quality is to their well-being,” said White, the children’s father.

White and his wife, Natalie, understand why they need to keep their air ducts clean, because the family owns the Stanley Steemer franchise on State Road 54 in Lutz.

Stanley Steemer in Lutz has invested in a $150,000 Caddy Vac vacuum truck for air duct cleaning, shown here in front of the business’ State Road 54 location.

“We want people to know that harmful mold growth can be prevented with regular inspections and cleaning of their air ducts,” said White. “To prevent mold from growing, the best action is to be proactive – to have your air ducts inspected before dust accumulates to a level that can support mold growth.”

White explains that mold needs two things to grow — moisture and food.

“In Florida, we have plenty of moisture because of our humidity. And, because so many homes have hard surfaces like tile and wood flooring, there is also plenty of dust in the air,” said White. “Dust and other organic materials are gourmet food sources for mold. When allowed to accumulate in your air ducts, you can be creating a breeding ground for mold growth,” said White.

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) identifies the following symptoms of mold growth: runny and stuffy noses, itchy throat and ears, hives, swollen and itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, some people are more sensitive than others, especially young children.

“If your air ducts have mold spores, every time someone turns on their air conditioner, these spores are spread throughout your home and recirculated multiple times a day,” said White.

NADCA, which Stanley Steemer is a Certified Firm of, recommends that homes be inspected every two years by one of its certified technicians. If excessive dust is found, it recommends a powerful vacuum removal of this debris to prevent mold from growing.

“This is why our company does not charge to do air duct home inspections —we want families to be proactive, and not wait to have their ducts inspected before it is too late, and the mold cannot be safely removed,” said White.

Powerful airflow safely removes dust and debris.

Stanley Steemer’s air duct inspectors are NADCA certified, which means they work for a licensed contractor, have extensive field experience and industry-specific knowledge of approved procedures to safely clean air ducts.

Heading up the company’s air duct division is Earl Thompson, who has worked for the White family for 17 years. Thompson and his team typically conduct two air duct cleanings and up to seven inspections daily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

“Earl is very experienced, and regularly trains his cleaning technicians on the proper use of our vacuum truck and other equipment, so that all dislodged debris is properly removed from the home,” said White.

White’s company has invested in a powerful Caddy Vac vacuum truck for its air duct cleaning division.

“Our truck is huge — the size of a fire truck — and has an airflow of 12,500 cubic feet per minute,” said White, who adds that his company’s investment in air duct removal is over $150,000. “There’s no comparison between the effectiveness of our powerful vacuum truck, compared to much smaller, Rotobrush systems used by other air duct companies. These units only provide around 400 cubic feet per minute of suction.”

Before sending its air duct cleaning truck out, White’s technicians inspect a home to determine the necessity and scope of a cleaning.

“About half the homes we inspect do not warrant a cleaning, and there is no charge for the inspection,” said White. “In homes where air ducts need to be cleaned, we give homeowners a written estimate of the cost to clean their air ducts, and schedule the truck for another day.”

Most homes today use fiberglass duct board, which is an absorbent material. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of chemical usage in cleaning air ducts, and states there is currently no biocides, sanitizers or disinfectants that are legally allowed to be sprayed on this form of ductwork.

“If a company advertises that they can remove mold by “fogging” or “sanitizing,” they would be in violation of federal law by doing so and, depending on what they’re spraying, it can be potentially harmful to the inhabitants of the home.”

People often wait until it’s too late to clean their duct system, White said. If an inspector finds active mold growth on fiberglass ductwork NADCA recommends the removal and replacement of that ductwork.

“Mold cannot be safely cleaned from duct board and replacement can be very costly, often costing between $8,000 and $10,000. This is why being proactive and maintaining clean ductwork is so important. ” White said.

Cleaning your air ducts may not seem as important as having your carpet cleaned, but it is, according to White.

“It’s what you breathe – the air that you’re A/C system is pumping into your home all day long, The EPA estimates the average person spends upwards of 90% of their day indoors,” said White. “For the sake of your family’s health, please give us a call for our free home air duct inspection.”

To schedule your free home inspection, call (813) 996-2436.

Published July 24, 2019

Meritage Homes’ Ashcroft Offers Affordable Homes In Watergrass

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Join the fun Saturday, June 8, when Meritage Homes celebrates the grand opening of its newest community in Tampa — Ashcroft at Watergrass.

Located off Curley Road in highly desired Wesley Chapel, Ashcroft is a community of 120 homesites, with move-in ready homes for families looking to get settled in before the next school year begins.

Meritage Homes’ model in Ashcroft at Watergrass is the Willow, which features the master suite conveniently located on the first floor, three bedrooms, bath and large loft on the second level.

“We have six very livable plans to choose from, all with the latest built-in trends with money-saving, energy-efficient designs,” said Steve Harding, division president of Meritage Homes.

Home pricing starts in the low $230s. Living areas range from 1,492 to 2,452 square feet.

“Our buyers are looking at monthly payments as low as $1,654, which makes Ashcroft one of the most affordable new communities in Wesley Chapel,” said Harding.

The grand opening event on June 8 is from noon to 3 p.m., and includes lunch, refreshments, and home tours of its beautifully furnished Willow model. Buyers will have the opportunity to take advantage of grand opening pricing.

“We are exciting to be launching this new community, and offering families the latest in new construction at affordable prices,” said Harding. “Ashcroft is already attracting first-time homebuyers and families that are downsizing.”

The Willow model is one of Meritage Homes’ most popular plans. This two-story home is 2,082 square feet, with its master suite conveniently located on the first floor. Its open floor plan features a kitchen with a spacious work island overlooking the great room, a distinct dining area and large covered lanai. Upstairs are three additional bedrooms and shared bath, plus a large loft perfect for youngsters to play, study or watch television.

Ashcroft currently has move-in ready homes available like the Willow plan, along with other homes that will be ready as soon as early June.

In addition to affordable housing and fabulous amenities, families are choosing Ashcroft because its youngsters are zoned to some of Pasco County’s best schools. Kids can bike to Watergrass Elementary located inside the community, and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School are just 1 mile away.

Ashcroft is located in Watergrass’ recently opened Phase III in the eastern section of the community, which will showcase the Promenade Park amenity center with its splash park, resort-style pool, elaborate playground, and dog parks for large and small dogs. Promenade Park is currently being built and is expected to open next spring.

Ashcroft residents also can enjoy existing Watergrass amenities, including a resort pool with splash zone, Jr. Olympic pool, fitness center with adjoining children’s playroom, social gathering rooms, recreational field, covered playground, and tennis and half basketball court.

Watergrass is situated on almost 1,000 acres, of which 250 are preserved wetlands, woods, parks and playgrounds. Its location offers easy access to I-75 and downtown Tampa, and is just 10 minutes from the heart of Wesley Chapel’s dining and shopping district.

Meritage Homes is the seventh-largest public homebuilder in the U.S., with a focus on first-time and first move-up buyers. It has designed and built over 120,000 homes in its 33-year history and has a reputation for its cost-saving energy-efficient features, distinctive style, quality construction and positive customer experience.

Meritage is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding, and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award for the seventh consecutive year – for innovation and industry leadership in energy-efficient homebuilding.

For more information, please visit us online at MeritageHomes.com, or call (877) ASK-MERITAGE.

Ashcroft at Watergrass

  • 120 total lots
  • 11 move-in ready homes
  • 40’ x 120’ homesites
  • Furnished model home (Willow Plan)
  • 6 floor plans to choose from
  • Square footage 1,492 to 2,452
  • Pricing starts from the $230s
  • Zoned for excellent schools

Published May 29, 2019

Know the dangers of secondhand smoke

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The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County and Tobacco Free Florida are working together to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, according to a news release.

Most people may not be familiar with the dangers posed by secondhand smoke. (Christine Holtzman)

Most people are aware of the dangers associated with using tobacco products like cigarettes, but may not be as familiar with the dangers posed by secondhand smoke.

Here are some facts about secondhand smoke:

  • It poses dangers whether you’re in confined spaces or outdoors.
  • It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which at least 250 are toxic and around 70 can cause cancer.

Secondhand smoke is known as environmental tobacco smoke. It includes smoke that is exhaled by a smoker, and also smoke that comes directly from a burning tobacco product, according to the release.

For people with a heart condition, being exposed to secondhand smoke can even trigger a heart attack, the release adds.

When a nonsmoker is exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work, their risk of developing a heart condition increases by 25 percent to 30 percent.

Wait staff and diners on a patio who are exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods of time are at risk of being exposed to fine particulate matter pollution at levels that exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency limit.

Published April 3, 2019

Zika virus cases keep growing

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The news on the Zika virus keeps evolving, as the number of travel-associated cases in the United State continues to grow.

As of Feb. 10, there were 52 travel-associated cases of Zika virus in the United States, including 16 in Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Feb. 3 directed state Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Lee and Santa Rosa counties relating to travel-associated cases of Zika virus found in those counties.

At the time, those counties had reported a total of nine travel-associated cases of the Zika virus.

The Zika virus is spread through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that spreads the dengua and chikunguna viruses. (File Photo)
The Zika virus is spread through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that spreads the dengua and chikunguna viruses.
(File Photo)

The Zika virus is spread through the bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same species that spreads dengue and chikungunya viruses, according to the CDC.

It also can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, the CDC reports. It also notes that cases have been reported of the Zika virus spreading through blood transfusion or sexual contact.

There is no vaccine available for the Zika virus.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. The illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting several days to a week. Hospitalization is uncommon.

There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant, according to the CDC. Knowledge of the link between Zika and birth defects is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women.

Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected, when compared to babies of the same sex and age, the CDC says. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly, according to the CDC.

The Zika virus also has been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages his or her nerve cells, but the CDC says more information is needed.

The Brazil Ministry of Heath has reported an increased number of people who have been infected with the Zika virus who also have Guillain-Barre syndrome. The CDC is working with Brazil to study a possible link.

The CDC recommends that people protect themselves by avoiding the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites primarily during the day.

To help protect yourself, the CDC recommends people:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out
  • Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or unable to keep mosquitoes out
  • Use repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Follow product label instructions
  • Reapply as directed

It also offers these additional tips: Do not spray repellent on skin under clothing, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent and do not apply insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months.

To protect your child, dress him or her in clothing that covers the arms and legs. Also, do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth or cut or irritated skin, the CDC says.

CDC Advisory
The Centers for Disease Control has issued an advisory for women who are pregnant or who are trying to become pregnant.

Women who are pregnant should consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If they do travel to one of those areas, they should talk to their doctor or other health care provider first, and be sure to follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Women who are trying to become pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should consult with their health care provider before traveling and should follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Also, the CDC notes that it is safe for pregnant women to use mosquito repellent. It is safe for women who are breastfeeding to use mosquito repellent, too. Anyone using a repellent should choose one that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Q&A

  1. Should a woman who has traveled to an area with Zika virus be tested for the virus?
  2. She should see her health care provider if she develops a rash, fever, joint pain or red eyes within two weeks of traveling to a country where Zika virus cases have been reported.
  3. Can a previous Zika virus infection cause someone who later becomes pregnant to have an infant with microcephaly?
  4. We do not know the risk to the baby if a woman is infected with the Zika virus while she is pregnant. However, Zika virus infection doesn’t pose a risk of birth defects for future pregnancies.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Published February 17, 2016

Study focuses on marketing property near Zephyrhills airport

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Duke Energy recently completed a site evaluation and marketing report on more than 440 acres next to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The property, according to the report, can be made site-ready for aerospace manufacturing, light industrial and assembly companies, and the plastics industry.

“We want to help you, to encourage you, as you market the Zephyrhills airport’s industrial area,” said Beth Land, a consultant with McCallum Sweeney, a national firm that partners with the Duke Energy Site Readiness program.

The engineering firm, HRP Associates, also participated in the site’s analysis.

The site-readiness program began in 2005 for the purpose of identifying and improving industrial sites that can attract investments and jobs in communities within Duke Energy’s service region. In the past decade, 155 site readiness projects have been completed, mostly within Southeastern states.

Work on the Zephyrhills’ project began several months ago. Two other sites in Florida – the Deltona Commerce Park in Volusia County and Florida Energy and Aerospace Training (FEAT) Park – were evaluated in 2013.

The report was presented to a joint workshop of the Zephyrhills City Council and the Pasco County Commission on June 22, prior to the city council’s monthly meeting. There was no discussion from council or commission members afterward.

One of the initial steps recommended by Duke Energy is an environmental assessment of the industrial site. Pasco County might be able to use a portion of a $400,000 federal grant to complete the task, if property owners give permission. The grant was awarded recently to help Pasco County build an inventory of brownfield sites. An update is expected by October.

The term “brownfield site” generally refers to the reuse, expansion or redevelopment of property, which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The site readiness report for the Zephyrhills location provided a detailed look at the area’s prospects for future development, its strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations to boost its attractiveness to investors.

The team of evaluators found the site suitable for one or two large facilities built on site or a cluster of smaller facilities with multiple users.

“We’ve been very excited about the whole process,” said John Walsh, vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “It’s an exciting opportunity to promote Zephyrhills and show the rest of the world we’re ready to bring investment opportunities and get some jobs here.”

As laid out by Land and Mark Sweeney, one of the owners of McCallum Sweeney, the path to certifying a site as market-ready takes commitment, time and resources.

“It can be very demanding at times,” said Sweeney.

But the rewards, as touted in the report, can be significant.

Among success stories for Duke Energy’s program is Severcorr Steel, which invested about $800 million in a facility in Columbus, Mississippi, and created 450 jobs. Among McCallum Sweeney’s clients are Hertz, Northrup Grumman, Nordex, Boeing and Alenia Aeronautics.

The key is to understand that economic development is a business with the community as the product being sold. “Everything about your community may be a factor they (investors) are considering in whether they want to locate in your community,” Sweeney said.

Among a list of considerations would be the site itself, the infrastructure including utilities, the labor force and quality of life factors.

There are issues with the site that should be addressed prior to marketing the site, Land said.

The property has three owners, 4 Rail LLC, Sysco Corporation and 5L Properties LLC. The portion owned by 5L Properties is zoned agricultural, and Duke Energy recommends either rezoning it as industrial or at least creating a timeline for completing the task.

There is access to the property from Chancey Road, Sixth Avenue and State Road 54, but it also is 13 miles from Interstate 75 and 20 miles from Interstate 4. An investor would want to know what routes are available to connect to interstate highways.

Duke Energy also recommends building a rail spur onto the property off the CSX rail line adjacent to the site’s western border. No cost estimate was provided.

Construction of a new wastewater line and lift station is needed, according to the report, at an estimated cost of about $1.7 million and a timeline of up to a year for completion.

The power company also recommends creation of a master plan for how to develop the site.

“This is a great spot. Our key to success is having pads ready,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. There is a lot of opportunity here.”

Published July 1, 2015

Efforts are on again for Ridge Road extension

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Pasco County is trying again to obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build an 8-mile extension of Ridge Road.

The project is a high priority for the county to provide an additional evacuation route during hurricanes or other emergencies.

Consultants with Washington D.C.-based Dawson & Associates briefed the Pasco Commission on April 14 on its analysis of road designs requested by the Corps of Engineers, including the county’s initial proposal and 17 alternatives. The federal agency rejected a prior application based on insufficient data.

County officials expressed frustration over the agency’s lack of information regarding its requirements prior to sending in its application.

“We would do what you want, if you’d just tell us what you want,” said Georgianne Ratliff, an urban planning consultant serving as project manager on the Ridge Road extension.

The rejected application eliminated without analysis 10 alternatives that the county considered not practical to build largely due to cost. Corps officials said detailed analysis of all options had to be provided.

“They wanted a full analysis, and we have done that,” said David Barrows, senior counselor with Dawson & Associates.

At issue are about 58 acres of the 6,000-acre Serenova Preserve, set aside years ago to mitigate the loss of wetlands during construction of the parkway.

County officials must come up with an option that will do the least damage to the environment. Efforts to secure the permit have been ongoing for nearly 15 years.

Critics of the extension have said the project will open up the area to more development.

The county has determined that four of the 17 alternatives are practical options.

Costs range from about $77 million to nearly $102 million. The most expensive road project would be four lanes and would be partially elevated. Barrows said that alternative would be the least damaging to the environment.

It would impact about 23 acres of wetlands and 86 acres of upland habitat.

For several years the county’s budget has included about $42 million for the first phase of the project.

Currently the road dead-ends at Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey.

The extension would link to U.S. 41 with a connection to the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The Corps of Engineers must issue a permit based on regulations within the Clean Water Act.

Before the matter is all settled, other agencies also will weigh in. Among them are Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Environmental Protection Agency

The next step in the process is awaiting a response from the Corps of Engineers to know if additional information will be required, Barrows said. He hopes a meeting will be scheduled within two months.

While a final decision is still months away, Barrows said there is a better understanding of what has to be done.

“I congratulate you on securing the goal posts,” said Commissioner Jack Mariano. “I’m very impressed.”

Published April 22, 2015