Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
TAMPA, Fla. — On August 20, Duke Energy alerted Florida environmental regulators of a chemical spill at the utility’s Anclote Power Plant. According to reports, approximately 3,200 gallons of sodium bisulfite – a potentially strong irritant to skin and tissue – spilled onto the soil and asphalt surrounding the plant in Holiday. Duke and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have said the spill did not reach the nearby Anclote River.
Floridians living near fossil fuel facilities, like the Anclote Power Plant, can face a range of safety risks — from air pollution and coal ash to chemical spills, contaminated water, industrial accidents, and the long-term environmental costs of maintaining and cleaning up fossil fuel infrastructure.
“People living near Duke Energy’s facility shouldn’t have to wonder whether the next spill will threaten their health or their community,” said Susannah Randolph, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director. “This incident is a stark reminder that fossil fuel infrastructure comes with real risks. No Florida family, regardless of zip code, should have to accept these risks in order to keep the lights on. There are cleaner, safer options available. Sierra Club Florida calls for transparency about the Duke spill, including its cause, full environmental impacts, and what steps are being taken to prevent future incidents.”
“As this chemical spill demonstrates, the costs for fossil fuel-based energy systems are many,” said Susan Glickman, VP of Policy & Partnerships for The CLEO Institute. “With 90% of Duke Energy Florida’s generation mix coming from these polluting sources, it’s yet another proof point that we must transition to cheaper, cleaner energy solutions to both protect our pocketbooks and our health. With tourism being the pillar of the state's economy, we cannot risk spills like this, which tarnish the natural environment.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.