January 21, 2008

ISSUE 1202

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TO LET FARMERS FILL SMALL WETLANDS

The Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission ruled Jan. 17 that farmers be allowed greater leeway in dredging and filling small wetlands.

Over the objections of environmental advocates, the commissioners voted 6-2 to allow up to a half-acre of wetlands destruction for land that remains in agriculture at least five years.

Landowners must receive approval through a state environmental management program.