The tri-state water wars between Georgia, Florida, and Alabama are far from over. In fact, they have now been escalated. On October 1, Florida filed a complaint in the United States Supreme Court requesting that the Court equitably apportion the waters of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (“ACF”) River Basin between Florida and Georgia. Florida argues that Georgia has permitted withdrawals of both surface and groundwater that are allegedly adversely impacting the Apalachicola Region’s ecosystem and economy. Florida cites declines in its fisheries and in particular claims that reduced flows impact oyster fisheries. As support for its complaint, Florida alleges impacts to ecosystems, threatened and endangered species, recreation and Florida’s economy. Georgia has yet to respond, but the state will likely raise issues related to conservation measures implemented by Georgia, Florida’s abandonment of its appeal of endangered species consultations between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida’s own over-fishing of the oyster fisheries, and salinity issues created by Florida’s insistence upon Sikes Cut, a navigation channel through St. George Island.
Andrea Wortzel
Andrea focuses her practice on water quantity and water quality issues, including water rights, water supply planning, and water withdrawal permitting, as well as discharge permitting and TMDL development and implementation. She coordinates a growing and influential stakeholder group focused on water supply issues in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Beyond her water practice, Andrea advises clients on endangered species issues, landfill permitting and compliance, waste permitting, environmental compliance and audit programs and environmental enforcement defense. Andrea also regularly counsels clients on legislative and regulatory strategies to promote her clients’ objectives.