Senate Bill sb0018E

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    Florida Senate - 2003                                  SB 18-E

    By Senator Alexander





    17-628-04

  1                      A bill to be entitled

  2         An act relating to phosphate mining; amending

  3         s. 211.3103, F.S.; amending the tax on

  4         phosphate rock; providing for the distribution

  5         of tax proceeds; deleting obsolete provisions;

  6         amending s. 378.021, F.S.; directing the

  7         Department of Environmental Protection to amend

  8         the master reclamation plan; amending s.

  9         378.031, F.S.; providing additional intent

10         concerning reclamation activities; amending s.

11         378.035, F.S.; amending authorized uses of

12         funds deposited in the Nonmandatory Land

13         Reclamation Trust Fund; removing requirements

14         for a reserve; limiting reclamation

15         expenditures for fiscal year 2003-2004;

16         amending s. 378.036, F.S.; creating a

17         not-for-profit partnership to assist in

18         phosphate reclamation; providing duties of the

19         partnership; providing for the administration

20         of partnership funds; providing an

21         appropriation; amending s. 378.212, F.S.;

22         providing authority for a variance for certain

23         reclamation activities; amending s. 378.404,

24         F.S.; allowing variances for water supply

25         development; amending s. 403.4154, F.S.;

26         providing criminal penalties for certain

27         violations; prohibiting the distribution of

28         certain company assets under specified

29         circumstances; providing for the declaration of

30         an imminent hazard if certain financial

31         conditions exist; providing limited liability

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 1         for entities assisting in the abatement of

 2         imminent hazards; amending a provision granting

 3         certain rebates of phosphate fees; amending s.

 4         403.4155, F.S.; directing that rules be

 5         developed for financial assurance, interim

 6         stack management, and stack closure; requiring

 7         the Department of Environmental Protection to

 8         conduct a study; providing funds for the study;

 9         providing for the transfer of certain funds

10         from the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust

11         Fund to the General Revenue Fund; providing an

12         appropriation for the funding of a study by the

13         Florida Institute of Phosphate Research;

14         providing an effective date.

15  

16  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

17  

18         Section 1.  Section 211.3103, Florida Statutes, is

19  amended to read:

20         211.3103  Levy of tax on severance of phosphate rock;

21  rate, basis, and distribution of tax.--

22         (1)  There is hereby levied an excise tax upon every

23  person engaging in the business of severing phosphate rock

24  from the soils or waters of this state for commercial use. The

25  tax shall be collected, administered, and enforced by the

26  department.

27         (2)  Beginning July 1, 2003, the proceeds of all taxes,

28  interest, and penalties imposed under this section shall be

29  paid into the State Treasury as follows:

30  

31  

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 1         (a)  The first $10 million in revenue collected from

 2  the tax during each fiscal year shall be paid to the credit of

 3  the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund.

 4         (b)  The remaining revenues collected from the tax

 5  during that fiscal year, after the required payment under

 6  paragraph (a), shall be paid into the State Treasury as

 7  follows:

 8         1.  For payment to counties in proportion to the number

 9  of tons of phosphate rock produced from a phosphate rock

10  matrix located within such political boundary, 18.75 percent.

11  The department shall distribute this portion of the proceeds

12  annually based on production information reported by the

13  producers on the annual returns for the taxable year. Any such

14  proceeds received by a county shall be used only for phosphate

15  related expenses.

16         2.  For payment to counties that have been designated a

17  Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern pursuant to s.

18  288.0656 in proportion to the number of tons of phosphate rock

19  produced from a phosphate rock matrix located within such

20  political boundary, 15 percent. The department shall

21  distribute this portion of the proceeds annually based on

22  production information reported by the producers on the annual

23  returns for the taxable year.

24         3.  To the credit of the Phosphate Research Trust Fund

25  in the Department of Education, Division of Universities,

26  11.25 percent.

27         4.  To the credit of the Minerals Trust Fund, 11.25

28  percent.

29         5.  To the credit of the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

30  Trust Fund, 43.75 percent.

31  

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 1         (3)  Beginning July 1, 2005, the proceeds of all taxes,

 2  interest, and penalties imposed under this section shall be

 3  paid into the State Treasury as follows:

 4         (a)  The first $10 million in revenue collected from

 5  the tax during each fiscal year shall be paid to the credit of

 6  the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund.

 7         (b)  The remaining revenues collected from the tax

 8  during that fiscal year, after the required payment under

 9  paragraph (a), shall be paid into the State Treasury as

10  follows:

11         1.  To the credit of the General Revenue Fund of the

12  state, 41 percent.

13         2.  For payment to counties in proportion to the number

14  of tons of phosphate rock produced from a phosphate rock

15  matrix located within such political boundary, 16.5 percent.

16  The department shall distribute this portion of the proceeds

17  annually based on production information reported by the

18  producers on the annual returns for the taxable year. Any such

19  proceeds received by a county shall be used only for phosphate

20  related expenses.

21         3.  For payment to counties that have been designated a

22  rural area of critical economic concern pursuant to s.

23  288.0656 in proportion to the number of tons of phosphate rock

24  produced from a phosphate rock matrix located within such

25  political boundary, 13 percent. The department shall

26  distribute this portion of the proceeds annually based on

27  production information reported by the producers on the annual

28  returns for the taxable year. Payments under this subparagraph

29  shall be made to the counties unless the Legislature by

30  special act creates a local authority to promote and direct

31  

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 1  the economic development of the county. If such authority

 2  exists, payments shall be made to that authority.

 3         4.  To the credit of the Phosphate Research Trust Fund

 4  in the Division of Universities of the Department of

 5  Education, 9 percent.

 6         5.  To the credit of the Minerals Trust Fund, 9

 7  percent.

 8         6.  To the credit of the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

 9  Trust Fund, 11.5 percent. 

10         (4)  Beginning July 1, 2003, and annually thereafter,

11  the Department of Environmental Protection may use up to $2

12  million of the funds in the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

13  Trust Fund to purchase a surety bond or a policy of insurance,

14  the proceeds of which would pay the cost of restoration,

15  reclamation, and cleanup of any phosphogypsum stack system and

16  phosphate mining activities in the event that an operator or

17  permittee thereof has been subject to a final order of

18  bankruptcy and all funds available therefrom are determined to

19  be inadequate to accomplish such restoration, reclamation, and

20  cleanup. This section does not imply that such operator or

21  permittee is thereby relieved of its obligations or relieved

22  of any liabilities pursuant to any other remedies at law,

23  administrative remedies, statutory remedies, or remedies

24  pursuant to bankruptcy law. The department shall adopt rules

25  to implement this subsection, including the purchase and

26  oversight of the bond or policy.

27         (5)  Funds distributed pursuant to subparagraphs

28  (2)(b)2. and (3)(b)3. shall be used for:

29         1.  Planning, preparing, and financing of

30  infrastructure projects for job creation and capital

31  investment, especially those related to industrial and

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 1  commercial sites. Infrastructure investments may include the

 2  following public or public-private partnership facilities:

 3  stormwater systems, telecommunications facilities, roads or

 4  other remedies to transportation impediments, nature-based

 5  tourism facilities, or other physical requirements necessary

 6  to facilitate trade and economic development activities.

 7         2.  Maximizing the use of federal, local, and private

 8  resources, including, but not limited to, those available

 9  under the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant

10  Program.

11         3.  Projects that improve inadequate infrastructure

12  that has resulted in regulatory action that prohibits economic

13  or community growth, if such projects are related to specific

14  job creation or job retention opportunities.

15         (6)  Beginning January 1, 2004, the tax rate shall be

16  the base rate of $1.62 per ton severed.

17         (7)  Beginning January 1, 2005, and annually

18  thereafter, the tax rate shall be the base rate times the base

19  rate adjustment for the tax year as calculated by the

20  department in accordance with subsection (9).

21         (2)  The proceeds of all taxes, interest, and penalties

22  imposed under this section shall be paid into the State

23  Treasury through June 30, 1995, as follows:

24         (a)  The first $10 million in revenue collected from

25  the tax during each fiscal year shall be paid to the credit of

26  the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund.

27         (b)  The remaining revenues collected from the tax

28  during that fiscal year, after the required payment under

29  paragraph (a), shall be paid into the State Treasury as

30  follows:

31  

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 1         1.  To the credit of the General Revenue Fund of the

 2  state, 60 percent. However, from this amount the amounts of

 3  $7.4 million, $8.2 million, and $8.1 million, respectively,

 4  shall be transferred to the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

 5  Trust Fund on January 1, 1993, January 1, 1994, and January 1,

 6  1995.

 7         2.  To the credit of the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

 8  Trust Fund which is established for reclamation and

 9  acquisition of unreclaimed lands disturbed by phosphate mining

10  and not subject to mandatory reclamation, 20 percent.

11         3.  To the credit of the Phosphate Research Trust Fund

12  in the Department of Education, Division of Universities, to

13  carry out the purposes set forth in s. 378.101, 10 percent.

14         4.  For payment to counties in proportion to the number

15  of tons of phosphate rock produced from a phosphate rock

16  matrix located within such political boundary, 10 percent. The

17  department shall distribute this portion of the proceeds

18  annually based on production information reported by producers

19  on the annual returns for the taxable year. Any such proceeds

20  received by a county shall be used only for phosphate-related

21  expenses.

22         (3)  Beginning July 1, 1995, the proceeds of all taxes,

23  interest, and penalties imposed under this section shall be

24  paid into the State Treasury as follows:

25         (a)  The first $10 million in revenue collected from

26  the tax during each fiscal year shall be paid to the credit of

27  the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund.

28         (b)  The remaining revenues collected from the tax

29  during that fiscal year, after the required payment under

30  paragraph (a), shall be paid into the State Treasury as

31  follows:

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 1         1.  To the credit of the General Revenue Fund of the

 2  state, 58 percent.

 3         2.  To the credit of the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

 4  Trust Fund for reclamation and acquisition of unreclaimed

 5  lands disturbed by phosphate mining and not subject to

 6  mandatory reclamation, 14.5 percent.

 7         3.  To the credit of the Phosphate Research Trust Fund

 8  in the Department of Education, Division of Universities, to

 9  carry out the purposes set forth in s. 378.101, 10 percent.

10         4.  For payment to counties in proportion to the number

11  of tons of phosphate rock produced from a phosphate rock

12  matrix located within such political boundary, 10 percent. The

13  department shall distribute this portion of the proceeds

14  annually based on production information reported by producers

15  on the annual returns for the taxable year. Any such proceeds

16  received by a county shall be used only for phosphate-related

17  expenses.

18         5.  To the credit of the Minerals Trust Fund, 7.5

19  percent.

20         (4)  If the base rate is reduced pursuant to paragraph

21  (5)(c), then the proceeds of the tax shall be paid into the

22  State Treasury as follows:

23         (a)  The first $10 million in revenue collected from

24  the tax during each fiscal year shall be paid to the credit of

25  the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund.

26         (b)  The remaining revenues collected from the tax

27  during that fiscal year, after the required payment under

28  paragraph (a), shall be paid into the State Treasury as

29  follows:

30         1.  To the credit of the General Revenue Fund of the

31  state, 55.15 percent.

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 1         2.  To the credit of the Phosphate Research Trust Fund

 2  in the Department of Education, Division of Universities, 12.5

 3  percent.

 4         3.  For payment to counties in proportion to the number

 5  of tons of phosphate rock produced from a phosphate rock

 6  matrix located within such political boundary, 18 percent. The

 7  department shall distribute this portion of the proceeds

 8  annually based on production information reported by producers

 9  on the annual returns for the taxable year. Any such proceeds

10  received by a county shall be used only for phosphate-related

11  expenses.

12         4.  To the credit of the Minerals Trust Fund, 14.35

13  percent.

14         (8)(5)  The excise tax levied by this section shall

15  apply to the total production of the producer during the

16  taxable year, measured on the basis of bone-dry tons produced

17  at the point of severance., subject to the following rates:

18         (a)  Beginning July 1, 1987, to December 31, 1987, the

19  tax rate shall be $1.79 per ton severed.

20         (b)  For 1988, the tax rate shall be the base rate of

21  $1.35 per ton severed.

22         (c)  For 1989 and subsequent years, the tax rate shall

23  be the base rate times the base rate adjustment for the tax

24  year as calculated by the department in accordance with

25  subsection (6). However, for 2000 and subsequent taxable

26  years, the base rate shall be reduced by 20 percent, unless

27  additional funding of the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust

28  Fund is approved by law.

29         (9)(6)(a)  On or before March 30, 2005 1989, and

30  annually thereafter, the department shall calculate the base

31  rate adjustment, if any, for phosphate rock based on the

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 1  change in the unadjusted annual producer price index for the

 2  prior calendar year in relation to the unadjusted annual

 3  producer price index for calendar year 1999 1987.

 4         (b)  For the purposes of determining the base rate

 5  adjustment for any year, the base rate adjustment shall be a

 6  fraction, the numerator of which is the unadjusted annual

 7  producer price index for the prior calendar year and the

 8  denominator of which is the unadjusted annual producer price

 9  index for calendar year 1999 1987.

10         (c)  The department shall provide the base rate, the

11  base rate adjustment, and the resulting tax rate to affected

12  producers by written notice on or before April 15 of the

13  current year.

14         (d)  If the producer price index for chemical and

15  fertilizer mineral mining phosphate rock primary products is

16  substantially revised, the department shall make appropriate

17  adjustment in the method used to compute the base rate

18  adjustment under this subsection which will produce results

19  reasonably consistent with the result which would have been

20  obtained if the producer price index for phosphate rock

21  primary products had not been revised. However, the tax rate

22  shall not be less than $1.56 per ton severed.

23         (e)  In the event the producer price index for

24  phosphate rock primary products is discontinued, then a

25  comparable index shall be selected by the department and

26  adopted by rule.

27         (10)(7)  The excise tax levied on the severance of

28  phosphate rock shall be in addition to any ad valorem taxes

29  levied upon the separately assessed mineral interest in the

30  real property upon which the site of severance is located, or

31  

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 1  any other tax, permit, or license fee imposed by the state or

 2  its political subdivisions.

 3         (11)(8)  The tax levied by this section shall be

 4  collected in the manner prescribed in s. 211.33.

 5         Section 2.  Section 378.021, Florida Statutes, is

 6  amended to read:

 7         378.021  Master reclamation plan.--

 8         (1)  The Department of Environmental Protection Natural

 9  Resources shall amend the adopt by rule, as expeditiously as

10  possible upon receipt of the report of the Land Use Advisory

11  Committee, a master reclamation plan that provides to provide

12  guidelines for the reclamation of lands mined or disturbed by

13  the severance of phosphate rock prior to July 1, 1975, which

14  lands are not subject to mandatory reclamation under part II

15  of chapter 211.  In amending the developing said master

16  reclamation plan, the Department of Environmental Protection

17  Natural Resources shall continue to conduct an onsite

18  evaluation of all lands mined or disturbed by the severance of

19  phosphate rock prior to July 1, 1975, which lands are not

20  subject to mandatory reclamation under part II of chapter 211,

21  and shall consider the report and plan prepared by the Land

22  Use Advisory Committee under s. 378.011 and submitted to the

23  former Department of Natural Resources for adoption by rule on

24  or before July 1, 1979.  The master reclamation plan when

25  amended adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection

26  Natural Resources shall be consistent with local government

27  plans prepared pursuant to the Local Government Comprehensive

28  Planning and Land Development Regulation Act.

29         (2)  The amended master reclamation plan shall identify

30  which of the lands mined or disturbed by the severance of

31  

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 1  phosphate rock prior to July 1, 1975, meet the following

 2  criteria:

 3         (a)  The quality of surface waters leaving the land

 4  does not meet applicable water quality standards, if any; or,

 5  health and safety hazards exist on the land; or, the soil has

 6  not stabilized and revegetated; or, the remaining natural

 7  resources associated with the land are not being conserved;

 8         (b)  The environmental or economic utility or aesthetic

 9  value of the land would not naturally return within a

10  reasonable time, and reclamation would substantially promote

11  the environmental or economic utility or the aesthetic value

12  of the land; and

13         (c)  The reclamation of the land is in the public

14  interest because the reclamation, when combined with other

15  reclamation under the master plan, would provide a substantial

16  regional benefit; and.

17         (d)  The reclamation of the land is in the public

18  interest because the reclamation, when combined with other

19  reclamation under the master plan, will provide significant

20  benefits to surface water bodies supplying water for

21  environmental and public purposes in those areas of the state

22  where phosphate mining has been permitted.

23         (3)  Lands evaluated by the department under subsection

24  (1) which meet the criteria set forth in subsection (2) shall

25  be identified with specificity in the master reclamation plan.

26  Lands evaluated by the department under subsection (1) which

27  do not meet the criteria set forth in subsection (2) shall

28  also be identified with specificity in the master reclamation

29  plan as lands which are acceptable in their present form.

30         (4)  Upon adoption of the amendments to the master

31  reclamation plan as a rule, such plan shall provide the

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 1  guidelines for approval of reclamation programs for lands

 2  covered in the plan, recognizing that reclamation of such

 3  lands is not mandatory, but that any payment of costs expended

 4  for reclamation paid under s. 378.031 shall be contingent upon

 5  conformity with the guidelines set forth in the master

 6  reclamation plan.

 7         Section 3.  Section 378.031, Florida Statutes, is

 8  amended to read:

 9         378.031  Reclamation or acquisition of nonmandatory

10  lands; legislative intent.--It is the intent of the

11  Legislature to provide an economic incentive to encourage the

12  reclamation of the maximum number of acres of eligible

13  nonmandatory lands in the most timely and efficient manner or

14  the donation or purchase of nonmandatory lands, especially

15  those lands for which reclamation activities will result in

16  significant improvements to surface water bodies of regional

17  importance in those areas of the state where phosphate mining

18  has been permitted.  The Legislature recognizes that certain

19  lands mined or disturbed prior to July 1, 1975, have been

20  naturally reclaimed.

21         Section 4.  Subsections (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9) of

22  section 378.035, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

23         378.035  Department responsibilities and duties with

24  respect to Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund.--

25         (5)  On July 1, 2001, $50 million of the unencumbered

26  Funds within the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund are

27  also authorized reserved for use by the department for the

28  following purposes:.

29         (a)  These reserved moneys are to be used To reclaim

30  lands disturbed by the severance of phosphate rock on or after

31  July 1, 1975, in the event that a mining company ceases mining

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 1  and the associated reclamation prior to all lands disturbed by

 2  the operation being reclaimed. Moneys expended by the

 3  department to accomplish reclamation pursuant to this

 4  subsection shall become a lien upon the property enforceable

 5  pursuant to chapter 85. The moneys received as a result of a

 6  lien foreclosure or as repayment shall be deposited into the

 7  trust fund. In the event the money received as a result of

 8  lien foreclosure or repayment is less than the amount expended

 9  for reclamation, the department shall use all means available

10  to recover, for the use of the fund, the difference from the

11  affected parties. Paragraph (3)(b) shall apply to lands

12  acquired as a result of a lien foreclosure.

13         (b)  The department may also expend funds from the $50

14  million reserve fund For the abatement of an imminent hazard

15  as provided by s. 403.4154(4)(3) and for the purpose of

16  closing an abandoned phosphogypsum stack system and carrying

17  out postclosure care as provided by s. 403.4154(6)(5). Fees

18  deposited in the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund

19  pursuant to s. 403.4154(4) may be used for the purposes

20  authorized in this paragraph. However, such fees may only be

21  used at a stack system if closure or imminent-hazard-abatement

22  activities initially commence on or after July 1, 2002.

23         (c)(6)(a)  Up to one-half of the interest income

24  accruing to the funds reserved by subsection (5) shall be

25  available to the department annually For the purpose of

26  funding basic management or protection of reclaimed, restored,

27  or preserved phosphate lands:

28         1.  Which have wildlife habitat value as determined by

29  the Bureau of Mine Reclamation;

30         2.  Which have been transferred by the landowner to a

31  public agency or a private, nonprofit land conservation and

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 1  management entity in fee simple, or which have been made

 2  subject to a conservation easement pursuant to s. 704.06; and

 3         3.  For which other management funding options are not

 4  available.

 5  

 6  These funds may, after the basic management or protection has

 7  been assured for all such lands, be combined with other

 8  available funds to provide a higher level of management for

 9  such lands.

10         (d)(b)  Up to one-half of the interest income accruing

11  to the funds reserved by subsection (5) shall be available to

12  the department annually For the sole purpose of funding the

13  department's implementation of:

14         1.  The NPDES permitting program authorized by s.

15  403.0885, as it applies to phosphate mining and beneficiation

16  facilities, phosphate fertilizer production facilities, and

17  phosphate loading and handling facilities;

18         2.  The regulation of dams in accordance with

19  department rule 62-672, Florida Administrative Code; and

20         3.  The phosphogypsum management program pursuant to s.

21  403.4154 and department rule 62-673, Florida Administrative

22  Code.

23  

24  On or before August 1 of each fiscal year, the department

25  shall prepare a report presenting the expenditures using the

26  interest income allocated by this section made by the

27  department during the immediately preceding fiscal year, which

28  report shall be available to the public upon request.

29         (6)(7)  Should the nonmandatory land reclamation

30  program encumber all the funds in the Nonmandatory Land

31  Reclamation Trust Fund except those reserved by subsection (5)

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 1  prior to funding all the reclamation applications for eligible

 2  parcels, the funds reserved by subsection (5) shall be

 3  available to the program to the extent required to complete

 4  the reclamation of all eligible parcels for which the

 5  department has received applications.

 6         (7)(8)  The department may not accept any applications

 7  for nonmandatory land reclamation programs after January 1,

 8  2005 November 1, 2008.

 9         (8)(9)  The Bureau of Mine Reclamation shall review the

10  sufficiency of the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund to

11  support the stated objectives and report to the secretary

12  annually with recommendations as appropriate. The report

13  submittal for calendar year 2008 shall specifically address

14  the effect of providing a future refund of fees paid pursuant

15  to s. 403.4154(4) following certification of stack closure

16  pursuant to department rules, and the report shall be

17  submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and

18  the Speaker of the House of Representatives on or before March

19  1, 2009.

20  

21  For the 2003-2004 fiscal year the department may not approve

22  or encumber nonmandatory reclamation projects in amounts

23  greater than $15 million.

24         Section 5.  Subsection (6) is added to section 378.036,

25  Florida Statutes, to read:

26         378.036  Land acquisitions financed by Nonmandatory

27  Land Reclamation Trust Fund moneys.--

28         (6)(a)  By January 1, 2004, or within 6 months

29  following the date funds become available from the

30  Legislature, whichever is later, the Florida Wildlife

31  Federation, Audubon Florida, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

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 1  in partnership with the Florida Phosphate Council are

 2  authorized to form a nonprofit corporation pursuant to chapter

 3  617 for the purpose of implementing this section by creating

 4  plans and assisting in the development of recreational

 5  opportunities on lands mined for phosphate in the state. The

 6  first plans must concentrate on recreational activities in

 7  Hardee and Hamilton Counties which will assist them in rural

 8  economic development.

 9         (b)  The board of directors of the corporation shall be

10  composed of three members, one designated by the Florida

11  Phosphate Council, one as the designee of the Florida Wildlife

12  Federation, Audubon Florida, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy,

13  and the third chosen by the other two designees.

14         (c)  The business of the corporation shall be conducted

15  by the board of directors or a chief executive officer as the

16  board shall see fit in accordance with the provisions of its

17  articles of incorporation and applicable law. The activities

18  of the corporation shall be coordinated with all landowners

19  who have voluntarily agreed to participate in the process as

20  well as any local government where such lands are recorded.

21         (d)  An annual report of the activities of the

22  corporation, including a certified audit, shall be presented

23  to the Secretary of Environmental Protection or his or her

24  designee by October 31 of each year following incorporation.

25         (e)  The corporation shall dissolve on January 1, 2009,

26  unless dissolved previously by action of its board of

27  directors or extended by the Legislature. Upon dissolution,

28  any moneys remaining in the accounts of the corporation that

29  are unobligated shall be returned to the funds from which they

30  were appropriated in proportion to the amount contributed. All

31  tangible assets of the corporation at dissolution which were

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 1  acquired using state funding shall become the property of the

 2  Department of Environmental Protection.

 3         (f)  For fiscal year 2003-2004, the sum of $200,000

 4  shall be appropriated from the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation

 5  Trust Fund to the nonprofit corporation specified in this

 6  subsection for the purpose of creating plans and assisting in

 7  the development of recreational opportunities on lands mined

 8  for phosphate in the state.

 9         Section 6.  Paragraph (g) is added to subsection (1) of

10  section 378.212, Florida Statutes, to read:

11         378.212  Variances.--

12         (1)  Upon application, the secretary may grant a

13  variance from the provisions of this part or the rules adopted

14  pursuant thereto. Variances and renewals thereof may be

15  granted for any one of the following reasons:

16         (g)  To accommodate reclamation that provides water

17  supply development or water resource development not

18  inconsistent with the applicable regional water supply plan

19  approved pursuant to s. 373.0361, provided adverse impacts are

20  not caused to the water resources in the basin. A variance may

21  also be granted from the requirements of part IV of chapter

22  373, or the rules adopted thereunder, when a project provides

23  an improvement in water availability in the basin and does not

24  cause adverse impacts to water resources in the basin.

25         Section 7.  Subsection (9) is added to section 378.404,

26  Florida Statutes, to read:

27         378.404  Department of Environmental Protection; powers

28  and duties.--The department shall have the following powers

29  and duties:

30         (9)  To grant variances from the provisions of this

31  part to accommodate reclamation that provides for water supply

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 1  development or water resource development not inconsistent

 2  with the applicable regional water supply plan approved

 3  pursuant to s. 373.0361, appropriate stormwater management,

 4  improved wildlife habitat, recreation, or a mixture thereof,

 5  provided adverse impacts are not caused to the water resources

 6  in the basin and public health and safety are not adversely

 7  affected.

 8         Section 8.  Subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section

 9  403.4154, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

10         403.4154  Phosphogypsum management program.--

11         (2)  REGULATORY PROGRAM.--

12         (a)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the

13  department develop a program for the sound and effective

14  regulation of phosphogypsum stack systems in the state.

15         (b)  The department shall adopt rules that prescribe

16  acceptable construction designs for new or expanded

17  phosphogypsum stack systems and that prescribe permitting

18  criteria for operation, closure criteria, long-term-care

19  requirements, and closure financial responsibility

20  requirements for phosphogypsum stack systems.

21         (c)  Whoever willfully, knowingly, or with reckless

22  indifference or gross carelessness misstates or misrepresents

23  the financial condition or closure costs of an entity engaged

24  in managing, owning, or operating a phosphogypsum stack or

25  stack system commits a felony of the third degree, punishable

26  as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083 by a fine of not more

27  than $50,000 and by imprisonment for 5 years for each offense.

28         (d)  If an owner or operator of a phosphogypsum stack

29  or stack system fails to comply with department rules

30  requiring demonstration of closure financial responsibility,

31  no distribution may be made which would be prohibited under s.

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 1  607.06401(3) until the noncompliance is corrected. Whoever

 2  willfully, knowingly, or with reckless indifference or gross

 3  carelessness violates this prohibition commits a felony of the

 4  third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

 5  775.083 by a fine of not more than $50,000 or by imprisonment

 6  for 5 years for each offense.

 7         (3)  ABATEMENT OF IMMINENT HAZARD.--

 8         (a)  The department may take action to abate or

 9  substantially reduce any imminent hazard caused by the

10  physical condition, maintenance, operation, or closure of a

11  phosphogypsum stack system.

12         (b)  An imminent hazard exists if the physical

13  condition, maintenance, operation, or closure of a

14  phosphogypsum stack system creates an immediate and

15  substantial danger to human health, safety, or welfare or to

16  the environment. A phosphogypsum stack system is presumed not

17  to cause an imminent hazard if the physical condition and

18  operation of the system are in compliance with all applicable

19  department rules.

20         (c)  The failure of an owner or operator of a

21  phosphogypsum stack system to comply with department rules

22  requiring demonstration of closure financial responsibility

23  may be considered by the department as evidence that a

24  phosphogypsum stack poses an imminent hazard for purposes of

25  initiating actions authorized by paragraph (d).

26         (d)(c)  If the department determines that the failure

27  of an owner or operator to comply with department rules

28  requiring demonstration of financial responsibility or that

29  the physical condition, maintenance, operation, or closure of

30  a phosphogypsum stack system poses an imminent hazard, the

31  department shall request access to the property on which such

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 1  stack system is located from the owner or operator of the

 2  stack system for the purposes of taking action to abate or

 3  substantially reduce the imminent hazard. If the department,

 4  after reasonable effort, is unable to timely obtain the

 5  necessary access to abate or substantially reduce the imminent

 6  hazard, the department may institute action in its own name,

 7  using the procedures and remedies of s. 403.121 or s. 403.131,

 8  to abate or substantially reduce an imminent hazard. Whenever

 9  serious harm to human health, safety, or welfare, to the

10  environment, or to private or public property may occur prior

11  to completion of an administrative hearing or other formal

12  proceeding that might be initiated to abate the risk of

13  serious harm, the department may obtain from the court, ex

14  parte, an injunction without paying filing and service fees

15  prior to the filing and service of process.

16         (e)(d)  To abate or substantially reduce an imminent

17  hazard, the department may take any appropriate action,

18  including, but not limited to, using employees of the

19  department or contracting with other state or federal

20  agencies, with private third-party contractors, or with the

21  owner or operator of the stack system, or financing,

22  compensating, or funding a receiver, trustee, or owner of the

23  stack system, to perform all or part of the work.

24         (f)(e)  The department shall recover from the owner or

25  operator of the phosphogypsum stack system to the use of the

26  Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund all moneys expended

27  from the fund, including funds expended prior to the effective

28  date of this section, to abate an imminent hazard posed by the

29  phosphogypsum stack system plus a penalty equal to an amount

30  calculated at 30 percent of such funds expended. This penalty

31  shall be imposed annually, and prorated from the date of

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 1  payment from the fund until the expended funds and the penalty

 2  are repaid. If the department prevails in any action to

 3  recover funds pursuant to this subsection, it may recover

 4  reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred. Phosphogypsum

 5  may not be deposited on a stack until all moneys expended from

 6  the fund in connection with the stack have been repaid, unless

 7  the department determines that such placement is necessary to

 8  abate or avoid an imminent hazard or unless otherwise

 9  authorized by the department.

10         (g)(f)  The department may impose a lien on the real

11  property on which the phosphogypsum stack system that poses an

12  imminent hazard is located and on the real property underlying

13  and other assets located at associated phosphate fertilizer

14  production facilities equal in amount to the moneys expended

15  from the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund pursuant to

16  paragraph (d), including attorney's fees and court costs. The

17  owner of any property on which such a lien is imposed is

18  entitled to a release of the lien upon payment to the

19  department of the lien amount. The lien imposed by this

20  section does not take priority over any other prior perfected

21  lien on the real property, personal property, or other assets

22  referenced in this paragraph, including, but not limited to,

23  the associated phosphate rock mine and reserves.

24         (h)  Upon a declaration by the Governor of an

25  environmental emergency concerning the abatement of a imminent

26  hazard involving a phosphogypsum stack or stack system, the

27  state and any agent under contract with the state for the

28  provision of services directly related to the abatement of

29  such hazard shall not become liable under state laws for

30  environmental protection for any costs, damages, or penalties

31  associated with the abatement of the imminent hazard. The

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 1  Legislature finds that provision of this limited immunity is

 2  in the public interest and necessary for the abatement of the

 3  imminent hazard.

 4         (4)  REGISTRATION FEES.--

 5         (a)1.  The owner or operator of each existing

 6  phosphogypsum stack who has not provided a performance bond,

 7  letter of credit, trust fund agreement, or closure insurance

 8  to demonstrate financial responsibility for closure and

 9  long-term care shall pay to the department a fee as set forth

10  in this paragraph. All fees shall be deposited in the

11  Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund.

12         2.  The amount of the fee for each existing stack shall

13  be $75,000 for each of the five 12-month periods following

14  July 1, 2001.

15         3.  The amount of the fee for any new stack for which

16  the owner or operator has not provided a performance bond,

17  letter of credit, trust fund agreement, or closure insurance

18  to demonstrate financial responsibility for closure and

19  long-term care shall be $75,000 for each of the five 12-month

20  periods following the issuance by the department of a

21  construction permit for that stack.

22         4.  Within 30 days after a phosphogypsum stack has been

23  certified as closed pursuant to rule 62-673.620(2) and (3),

24  Florida Administrative Code, the department shall refund to

25  the owner of the closed phosphogypsum stack an amount from the

26  Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund equal to the total

27  amount of fee payments made by the owner or operator to the

28  fund in connection with the closed phosphogypsum stack.

29  However, a refund may not be paid until the Mulberry and Piney

30  Point phosphogypsum stack systems have been closed and a

31  satisfactory reserve has been established in the Nonmandatory

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 1  Reclamation Lands Trust Fund, except that any refund becoming

 2  payable prior to July 1, 2009, shall be paid to the owner on

 3  or after that date.

 4         (b)  On or before August 1 of each year, the department

 5  shall provide written notice to each owner of an existing

 6  stack of any fee payable for the 12-month period commencing on

 7  the immediately preceding July 1. Each owner shall remit the

 8  fee to the department on or before August 31 of each year.

 9         Section 9.  Section 403.4155, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         403.4155  Phosphogypsum management; rulemaking

12  authority.--

13         (1)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall

14  adopt rules to amend existing chapter 62-672, Florida

15  Administrative Code, to ensure that impoundment structures and

16  water conveyance piping systems used in phosphogypsum

17  management are designed and maintained to meet critical safety

18  standards. The rules must require that any impoundment

19  structure used in a phosphogypsum stack system, together with

20  all pumps, piping, ditches, drainage conveyances, water

21  control structures, collection pools, cooling ponds, surge

22  ponds, and any other collection or conveyance system

23  associated with phosphogypsum transport, cooling water, or the

24  return of process wastewater, is constructed using sound

25  engineering practices and is operated to avoid spills or

26  discharges of materials which adversely affect surface or

27  ground waters. The rules must require that a phosphogypsum

28  stack system owner maintain a log detailing the owner's

29  operating inspection schedule, results, and any corrective

30  action taken based on the inspection results. The rules must

31  require phosphogypsum stack owners to maintain an emergency

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 1  contingency plan and demonstrate the ability to mobilize

 2  equipment and manpower to respond to emergency situations at

 3  phosphogypsum stack systems. The rules must establish a

 4  reasonable time period not to exceed 12 months for facilities

 5  to meet the provisions of the rules adopted pursuant to this

 6  section.

 7         (2)(a)  By October 1, 2004, the department shall

 8  initiate rulemaking to require that phosphogypsum stack system

 9  operation plans required by department rule be amended by

10  adding an interim stack system management (ISSM) plan that

11  provides written instructions for the operation of the system,

12  assuming that no phosphoric acid would be produced at the

13  facility for a 2-year period. The initial ISSM plan must be

14  completed as of the first July 1 following the adoption of the

15  rule required by this section. The ISSM plan must include:

16         1.  A detailed description of process water management

17  procedures that will be implemented to ensure that the stack

18  system operates in accordance with all applicable department

19  permit conditions and rules.  The procedures must address the

20  actual process water levels present at the facility 30 days

21  prior to the completion of the plan and must assume that the

22  facility will receive annual average rainfall during the

23  2-year planning period.

24         2.  A detailed description of the procedures to be

25  followed for the daily operation and routine maintenance of

26  the stack system, including required environmental sampling

27  and analyses, as well as for any maintenance or repairs

28  recommended following annual inspections of the system.

29         3.  Identification of all machinery, equipment, and

30  materials necessary to implement the plan.

31  

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 1         4.  Identification of the sources of power or fuel

 2  necessary to implement the plan.

 3         5.  Identification of the personnel necessary to

 4  implement the plan.

 5         (b)  The ISSM plan shall be updated annually, taking

 6  into account process water levels as of June 1 of each year

 7  and the existing stack system configuration.

 8         (c)  The requirements listed in paragraphs (a) and (b)

 9  are applicable to all phosphogypsum stack systems except those

10  that have been closed, that are undergoing closure, or for

11  which an application for a closure permit has been submitted

12  pursuant to department rule.

13         (3)(a)  By October 1, 2004, the department shall

14  initiate rulemaking to require that general plans and

15  schedules for the closure of phosphogypsum stack systems

16  include:

17         1.  A description of the physical configuration of the

18  phosphogypsum stack system anticipated at the time of closure

19  at the end of useful life of the system.

20         2.  A site-specific water management plan describing

21  the procedures to be employed at the end of the useful life of

22  the system to manage the anticipated volume of process water

23  in an environmentally sound manner.

24         3.  An estimate of the cost of management of the

25  anticipated volume of process water in accordance with the

26  site-specific water management plan.

27         4.  A description of all construction work necessary to

28  properly close the system in accordance with department rules.

29         5.  An estimate of all costs associated with long-term

30  care of the closed system, including maintenance and

31  monitoring, in accordance with department rules.

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 1         (b)  The department shall revise chapter 62-673,

 2  Florida Administrative Code, to require the owner or operator

 3  of a phosphogypsum stack management system to demonstrate

 4  financial responsibility for the costs of terminal closure of

 5  the phosphogypsum stack system in a manner that protects the

 6  public health and safety.

 7         1.  The costs of terminal closure shall be estimated

 8  based on the stack system configuration as of the end of its

 9  useful life as determined by the owner or operator.

10         2.  The owner or operator may demonstrate financial

11  responsibility by use of one or more of the following methods:

12         a.  Bond.

13         b.  Letter of credit.

14         c.  Cash deposit arrangement.

15         d.  Closure insurance.

16         e.  Financial tests.

17         f.  Corporate guarantee.

18  

19  For the purposes of this section, the term "cash deposit

20  arrangement" means a trust fund, business or statutory trust,

21  escrow account, or similar cash deposit entity whereby a

22  fiduciary holds and invests funds deposited by the owner or

23  operator, which funds shall be expended only for the purpose

24  of directly implementing all or some portion of phosphogypsum

25  stack system closure requirements of that particular owner or

26  operator.

27         3.  A trustee, escrow agent, or other fiduciary of a

28  cash deposit arrangement authorized by this section has no

29  liability for any damage or loss of any kind arising out of or

30  caused by performance of duties imposed by the terms of the

31  applicable agreement unless such damage or loss is directly

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 1  caused by the gross negligence or criminal act of the trustee,

 2  escrow agent, or other fiduciary. In performing its duties

 3  pursuant to the applicable agreement, a trustee, escrow agent,

 4  or other fiduciary is entitled to rely upon information and

 5  direction received from the grantor or the department without

 6  independent verification unless such information and direction

 7  are manifestly in error.

 8         4.  To the extent that a cash deposit arrangement is

 9  used to provide proof of financial responsibility for all or a

10  portion of closure costs, the trust, escrow, or cash

11  arrangement deposit entity is considered to have assumed all

12  liability for such closure costs up to the amount of the cash

13  deposit, less any fees or costs of the trustee, escrow agent,

14  or other fiduciary.

15         5.  Any funds maintained in a cash deposit arrangement

16  authorized by this section are not subject to claims of

17  creditors of the owner or operator and are otherwise exempt

18  from setoff, execution, levy, garnishment, and similar writs

19  and proceedings.

20         6.  Any funds remaining in a trust, escrow account, or

21  other cash deposit arrangement after the purpose of such cash

22  deposit arrangement under this section has been accomplished

23  shall be returned to the grantor.

24         (4)  The department shall revise chapter 62-673,

25  Florida Administrative Code, to require the owner or operator

26  of a phosphogypsum stack system to demonstrate financial

27  responsibility for the costs of terminal closure of the

28  phosphogypsum stack system in a manner that protects the

29  environment and the public health and safety. At a minimum,

30  such rules must include or address the following requirements:

31  

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 1         (a)  That the cost of closure and long-term care be

 2  re-estimated by a professional engineer and adjusted for

 3  inflation on an annual basis. At a minimum, such cost data

 4  must include:

 5         1.  The cost of treatment and appropriate disposal of

 6  all process wastewater, both ponded and pore, in the system.  

 7         2.  All construction work necessary to properly close

 8  the system in accordance with department rules.

 9         3.  All costs associated with long-term care of the

10  closed system, including maintenance and monitoring, in

11  accordance with department rules.

12         (b)  That financial statements and financial data be

13  prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles

14  within the United States and submitted quarterly.

15         (c)  That audited financial statements be provided

16  annually along with the statement of financial assurance.

17         (d)  That any owner or operator in default on any of

18  its obligations report such default immediately.

19         (2)  By January 31, 2002, the department shall review

20  chapter 62-673, Florida Administrative Code, to determine the

21  adequacy of the financial responsibility provisions contained

22  in the rules and shall take any measures necessary to ensure

23  that the rules provide sound and effective provisions to

24  minimize risk to the environment and to public health and

25  safety from the business failure of a phosphogypsum stack

26  system.

27         Section 10.  (1)  The Department of Environmental

28  Protection, in consultation with the Southwest Florida Water

29  Management District, shall study cumulative impacts of changes

30  in landform and hydrology in the Peace River Basin. The study

31  shall evaluate cumulative impacts of activities conducted in

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 1  the Peace River Basin prior to state regulation, or pursuant

 2  to an exemption, a permit, or a reclamation plan, on water

 3  resources of the basin, including surface waters,

 4  groundwaters, fisheries, aquatic and estuarine habitat, and

 5  water supplies. The study must also include an evaluation of

 6  the effectiveness of existing regulatory programs in avoiding,

 7  minimizing, mitigating, or compensating for cumulative impacts

 8  on water resources of the basin. In addition, the study shall

 9  evaluate the environmental benefits, legal issues, and

10  economic impacts of limiting activities, including mining

11  activities, on waters and environmentally sensitive areas

12  around waterbodies by establishing a buffer within the

13  100-year floodplain of major perennial streams within the

14  Peace River Basin, including the Peace River, Horse Creek, and

15  the Myakka River. The study shall also recommend ways in which

16  any buffer areas recommended as prohibited areas can be

17  considered as mitigation under applicable permitting programs.

18         (2)  Upon completion of the study, the department shall

19  prepare and adopt a resource management plan for the Peace

20  River Basin to minimize any identified existing and future

21  adverse cumulative impacts to water resources of the basin,

22  including surface waters, groundwaters, wetlands, fisheries,

23  aquatic and estuarine habitat, and water supplies. The plan

24  must identify regulatory and nonregulatory actions necessary

25  to minimize existing and future adverse cumulative impacts

26  identified in the study and, where appropriate, must also

27  recommend statutory changes to improve regulatory programs to

28  minimize identified cumulative impacts to water resources of

29  the basin.

30         (3)  Rulemaking authority is granted to the Department

31  of Environmental Protection and the Southwest Florida Water

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 1  Management District to implement the regulatory

 2  recommendations identified in the study or the resource

 3  management plan.

 4         (4)  The resource management plan shall be submitted to

 5  the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of

 6  the House of Representatives no later than July 1, 2005.

 7         (5)  The department may use up to $750,000 from the

 8  Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund to prepare the study

 9  and plan required in this section.

10         (6)  The department may establish a technical advisory

11  committee to assist the department in developing a plan of

12  study, reviewing interim findings, and reviewing final

13  recommendations. The technical advisory committee may include

14  representatives from the following interests in the Peace

15  River Basin:  industrial, mining, agriculture, development,

16  environmental, fishing, regional water supply, and local

17  government.

18         Section 11.  For fiscal year 2003-2004, the sum of

19  $12.5 million is transferred from the Nonmandatory Land

20  Reclamation Trust Fund to the General Revenue Fund.

21         Section 12.  For fiscal year 2003-2004, the sum of

22  $800,000 is appropriated to the Phosphate Research Trust Fund

23  from the proceeds of the phosphate severance tax deposited

24  into the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund. Such funds

25  shall be used by the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research

26  to conduct a bench and pilot scale study of the FIPR/DIPR

27  process for the purpose of determining its technical and

28  economic feasibility. The study must evaluate the

29  availability, technical feasibility, and cost of using various

30  types of fiber, including, but not limited to, paper and

31  sewage sludge.  The study must evaluate the technical

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 1  feasibility and practicality of various methods of using and

 2  disposing of the clay/fiber product produced, including

 3  admixing the material with soil.

 4         Section 13.  This act shall take effect upon becoming a

 5  law.

 6  

 7            *****************************************

 8                          SENATE SUMMARY

 9    Amends the tax on phosphate rock and provides for the
      distribution of tax proceeds. Directs the Department of
10    Environmental Protection to amend the master reclamation
      plan. Provides additional intent concerning reclamation
11    activities. Amends the authorized uses of funds deposited
      in the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund. Removes
12    requirements for a reserve. Limits reclamation
      expenditures for fiscal year 2003-2004. Creates a
13    not-for-profit partnership to assist in phosphate
      reclamation. Provides duties of the partnership. Provides
14    for the administration of partnership funds. Provides an
      appropriation. Provides authority for a variance for
15    certain reclamation activities. Allows variances for
      water supply development. Provides criminal penalties for
16    certain violations. Prohibits the distribution of certain
      company assets under certain circumstances. Provides for
17    the declaration of an imminent hazard if certain
      financial conditions exist. Provides limited liability
18    for entities assisting in the abatement of imminent
      hazards. Amends a provision granting certain rebates of
19    phosphate fees. Requires rules to be developed for
      financial assurance, interim stack management, and stack
20    closure. Requires the Department of Environmental
      Protection to conduct a study. Provides funds for the
21    study. Provides for the transfer of certain funds from
      the Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund to the
22    General Revenue Fund. Provides for funding a study by the
      Florida Institute of Phosphate Research.
23  

24  

25  

26  

27  

28  

29  

30  

31  

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