Florida Oks use of radioactive waste to pave roads

[Pballer]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Of course the contractor who "wins" the bid to do the job will be charging extra for the hazardous duty work. All courtesy of the taxpayers.

[golfing eagles]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

But if the roads glow in the dark, it will be quite a savings on electricity for street lights :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Pairadocs]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

Personally I try to follow the Paul Harvey method of examination BEFORE I come to a final conclusion. The headline states the Governor signs..... true, but, what does that really mean ? The bill was put before him by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives.... the process in a democratic republic. A governor, a president, can't control the process. That's point #1. Point #2 would be, has this "hazardous" risk been evaluated and found to be as low a level as, for instance, the airport and courthouse security we pass through daily ? The cell phone and microwave radiation we keep in our house or pocket 365 days a year ? The low dose radiation we get from our granite counter tops that is a natural occurrence ? This is what is upsetting about "media", headlines, and even posts of social chat sites like this: is this post meant to ALARM other villagers, without giving factual support to the supposition that this is a significant happening ? Does anyone know if the actual crushed rock used NOW in highway construction contains none of the natural radiation like tiles, granite counter tops, flag stone patios, etc. do ? If I knew all the answers and percentages for all of these things, I'd be better prepared to react to this post... and perhaps, be angry at our state legislators who did this. But, there is a LOT, I am sure, of the "rest of the story", so for now, not going to let my emotions (which are naturally cautious about these things) overcome my ability to analyze based on facts. At present, I am more concerned that our way of disposing of everything here in the Villages and surrounding area, by burning everything from plastics to house hold batteries, to who knows what else (don't think each bag is inspected before being put into the giant incinerator) ? Not sure "scrubbers" actually remove all carcinogens ? Another thought that came to mind, is the hazardous material approved for paving more, or less, dangerous than the utility meters attached to our homes, and the fire and carbon monoxide alarms in nearly every room ? Again, that's rhetorical, don't know all the answers to those questions. But, how many people will read that headline and think, "oh that horrible horrible evil man (a governor of any state), when it's actually "we the people" whose representatives proposed this because it was the majority of the people who want this ! Any governor of any state could be personally violently opposed to this, or any other bill, but thankfully that is not how our form was government works !

[golfing eagles]

Personally I try to follow the Paul Harvey method of examination BEFORE I come to a final conclusion. The headline states the Governor signs..... true, but, what does that really mean ? The bill was put before him by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives.... the process in a democratic republic. A governor, a president, can't control the process. That's point #1. Point #2 would be, has this "hazardous" risk been evaluated and found to be as low a level as, for instance, the airport and courthouse security we pass through daily ? The cell phone and microwave radiation we keep in our house or pocket 365 days a year ? The low dose radiation we get from our granite counter tops that is a natural occurrence ? This is what is upsetting about "media", headlines, and even posts of social chat sites like this: is this post meant to ALARM other villagers, without giving factual support to the supposition that this is a significant happening ? Does anyone know if the actual crushed rock used NOW in highway construction contains none of the natural radiation like tiles, granite counter tops, flag stone patios, etc. do ? If I knew all the answers and percentages for all of these things, I'd be better prepared to react to this post... and perhaps, be angry at our state legislators who did this. But, there is a LOT, I am sure, of the "rest of the story", so for now, not going to let my emotions (which are naturally cautious about these things) overcome my ability to analyze based on facts. At present, I am more concerned that our way of disposing of everything here in the Villages and surrounding area, by burning everything from plastics to house hold batteries, to who knows what else (don't think each bag is inspected before being put into the giant incinerator) ? Not sure "scrubbers" actually remove all carcinogens ? Another thought that came to mind, is the hazardous material approved for paving more, or less, dangerous than the utility meters attached to our homes, and the fire and carbon monoxide alarms in nearly every room ? Again, that's rhetorical, don't know all the answers to those questions. But, how many people will read that headline and think, "oh that horrible horrible evil man (a governor of any state), when it's actually "we the people" whose representatives proposed this because it was the majority of the people who want this ! Any governor of any state could be personally violently opposed to this, or any other bill, but thankfully that is not how our form was government works !

Right on point! Ever notice how any law that a certain group opposes is automatically referred to in the media and by acolytes as "the chief executive's" as if he unilaterally wrote it, passed it and signed it, but those that the same group is in favor of is reported as "the will of the people"

[tophcfa]

But if the roads glow in the dark, it will be quite a savings on electricity for street lights :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

And the EV owners are hoping the road will somehow charge their vehicles for free while driving.

[dewilson58]

What will they think of next?

Drinking urine...........oh wait, Astronauts are doing that.

[Bogie Shooter]

DeSantis, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, hasn’t commented. Tampa-based fertilizer giant Mosaic, which pushed the legislation, is seeking federal approval to test phosphogypsum, which the Tampa Bay Times noted “could pave the way — literally — for phosphogypsum use in American roads.”


Follow the money…………….

[Bill14564]

DeSantis, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, hasn’t commented. Tampa-based fertilizer giant Mosaic, which pushed the legislation, is seeking federal approval to test phosphogypsum, which the Tampa Bay Times noted “could pave the way — literally — for phosphogypsum use in American roads.”


Follow the money…………….

But, but....

Didn't you read the end of post #4? It's "we the people" who wanted this. We voted for our representatives and they vote for what they know the majority of us want. The Gov simply went along with what he knew we wanted.

It would be interesting to see the science on this. Just how much radiation will be added to what we are already exposed to.

[Keefelane66]

Personally I try to follow the Paul Harvey method of examination BEFORE I come to a final conclusion. The headline states the Governor signs..... true, but, what does that really mean ? The bill was put before him by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives.... the process in a democratic republic. A governor, a president, can't control the process. That's point #1. Point #2 would be, has this "hazardous" risk been evaluated and found to be as low a level as, for instance, the airport and courthouse security we pass through daily ? The cell phone and microwave radiation we keep in our house or pocket 365 days a year ? The low dose radiation we get from our granite counter tops that is a natural occurrence ? This is what is upsetting about "media", headlines, and even posts of social chat sites like this: is this post meant to ALARM other villagers, without giving factual support to the supposition that this is a significant happening ? Does anyone know if the actual crushed rock used NOW in highway construction contains none of the natural radiation like tiles, granite counter tops, flag stone patios, etc. do ? If I knew all the answers and percentages for all of these things, I'd be better prepared to react to this post... and perhaps, be angry at our state legislators who did this. But, there is a LOT, I am sure, of the "rest of the story", so for now, not going to let my emotions (which are naturally cautious about these things) overcome my ability to analyze based on facts. At present, I am more concerned that our way of disposing of everything here in the Villages and surrounding area, by burning everything from plastics to house hold batteries, to who knows what else (don't think each bag is inspected before being put into the giant incinerator) ? Not sure "scrubbers" actually remove all carcinogens ? Another thought that came to mind, is the hazardous material approved for paving more, or less, dangerous than the utility meters attached to our homes, and the fire and carbon monoxide alarms in nearly every room ? Again, that's rhetorical, don't know all the answers to those questions. But, how many people will read that headline and think, "oh that horrible horrible evil man (a governor of any state), when it's actually "we the people" whose representatives proposed this because it was the majority of the people who want this ! Any governor of any state could be personally violently opposed to this, or any other bill, but thankfully that is not how our form was government works !
Not that easy “ The bill was put before him (legislature) by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives....”
The producer Mosaic lobbied the state legislature to incorporate an unsaleable waste product in a building material but I guess you can say corporations are people too.

[Bogie Shooter]

Not that easy “ The bill was put before him (legislature) by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives....”
The producer Mosaic lobbied the state legislature to incorporate an unsaleable waste product in a building material but I guess you can say corporations are people too.

To the tune of providing a $25,000 fund raiser for those who supported the bill, we the people…balderdash!

[golfing eagles]

To the tune of providing a $25,000 fund raiser for those who supported the bill, we the people…balderdash!

And he's the only person running fundraisers??????

[Dotneko]

Personally I try to follow the Paul Harvey method of examination BEFORE I come to a final conclusion. The headline states the Governor signs..... true, but, what does that really mean ? The bill was put before him by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives.... the process in a democratic republic. A governor, a president, can't control the process. That's point #1. Point #2 would be, has this "hazardous" risk been evaluated and found to be as low a level as, for instance, the airport and courthouse security we pass through daily ? The cell phone and microwave radiation we keep in our house or pocket 365 days a year ? The low dose radiation we get from our granite counter tops that is a natural occurrence ? This is what is upsetting about "media", headlines, and even posts of social chat sites like this: is this post meant to ALARM other villagers, without giving factual support to the supposition that this is a significant happening ? Does anyone know if the actual crushed rock used NOW in highway construction contains none of the natural radiation like tiles, granite counter tops, flag stone patios, etc. do ? If I knew all the answers and percentages for all of these things, I'd be better prepared to react to this post... and perhaps, be angry at our state legislators who did this. But, there is a LOT, I am sure, of the "rest of the story", so for now, not going to let my emotions (which are naturally cautious about these things) overcome my ability to analyze based on facts. At present, I am more concerned that our way of disposing of everything here in the Villages and surrounding area, by burning everything from plastics to house hold batteries, to who knows what else (don't think each bag is inspected before being put into the giant incinerator) ? Not sure "scrubbers" actually remove all carcinogens ? Another thought that came to mind, is the hazardous material approved for paving more, or less, dangerous than the utility meters attached to our homes, and the fire and carbon monoxide alarms in nearly every room ? Again, that's rhetorical, don't know all the answers to those questions. But, how many people will read that headline and think, "oh that horrible horrible evil man (a governor of any state), when it's actually "we the people" whose representatives proposed this because it was the majority of the people who want this ! Any governor of any state could be personally violently opposed to this, or any other bill, but thankfully that is not how our form was government works !

Never let pesky facts get in the way of bashing the governor. Come on man!

[Bogie Shooter]

And he's the only person running fundraisers??????
Oh, are there more paying for the bills passage?

[Bogie Shooter]

I’m guessing this thread is on borrowed time.:jester:

[fdpaq0580]

Glowing roads to drive on. Nuclear powered cars. And new body parts springing out of your body as you cruise to grandma's new home in The Villages on Islamorada. Wish I could live to see it with all three sets of eyes.

[Robbb]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

Gee I wonder if there is a reasonable explanation for this....naaa couldn't be, sounds like DeSantis is trying to give us all cancer.

[tuccillo]

So, this article provides no context. For example, how many rem/hr exposure can be expected and how much above ambient levels is this? Lazy journalism.

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

[josephchiro]

Well said. Thank you for the thoughtful insight. Unlike most on TOTV

[arbajeda]

Good grief! Have any of you read the bill? Here's, verbatim, the first seven lines of it:

An act relating to the use of phosphogypsum; amending
3 s. 336.044, F.S.; authorizing the Department of
4 Transportation to undertake demonstration projects
5 using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate
6 material to determine its feasibility as a paving
7 material;

It's a feasibility study, not an authorization for use.

[GizmoWhiskers]

And the EV owners are hoping the road will somehow charge their vehicles for free while driving.
That's funny!

[Battlebasset]

Good grief! Have any of you read the bill? Here's, verbatim, the first seven lines of it:

An act relating to the use of phosphogypsum; amending
3 s. 336.044, F.S.; authorizing the Department of
4 Transportation to undertake demonstration projects
5 using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate
6 material to determine its feasibility as a paving
7 material;

It's a feasibility study, not an authorization for use.

Thanks for pointing this out. My understanding is that the radioactivity is like radon, which many people have coming from their basements into their house, thus the need for radon mitigation systems.

In this case, it would be totally out in the open air, so the hazard should be mitigated. But, a study is a good idea, and if successful, would allow a waste product to be utilized vs landfilled/otherwise processed.

So a good thing.

[Southwest737]

And the EV owners are hoping the road will somehow charge their vehicles for free while driving.

This Electrified Road Charges Your EV as You Drive (https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/hybrid-electric/a40313108/electrified-road-charges-your-ev-on-the-go/)

[GizmoWhiskers]

Good grief! Have any of you read the bill? Here's, verbatim, the first seven lines of it:

An act relating to the use of phosphogypsum; amending
3 s. 336.044, F.S.; authorizing the Department of
4 Transportation to undertake demonstration projects
5 using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate
6 material to determine its feasibility as a paving
7 material;

It's a feasibility study, not an authorization for use.
Actually read the facts instead of sponging up fake news, now that is brilliant!

[golfing eagles]

Gee I wonder if there is a reasonable explanation for this....naaa couldn't be, sounds like DeSantis is trying to give us all cancer.

Danger--- Will Robinson---danger!!!!!

enjoy your "vacation" :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[allsport]

[QUOTE=Pairadocs;2230836]Personally I try to follow the Paul Harvey method of examination BEFORE I come to a final conclusion. The headline states the Governor signs..... true, but, what does that really mean ? The bill was put before him by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives.... the process in a democratic republic. A governor, a president, can't control the process. That's point #1. Point #2 would be, has this "hazardous" risk been evaluated and found to be as low a level as, for instance, the airport and courthouse security we pass through daily ? The cell phone and microwave radiation we keep in our house or pocket 365 days a year ? The low dose radiation we get from our granite counter tops that is a natural occurrence ? This is what is upsetting about "media", headlines, and even posts of social chat sites like this: is this post meant to ALARM other villagers, without giving factual support to the supposition that this is a significant happening ? Does anyone know if the actual crushed rock used NOW in highway construction contains none of the natural radiation like tiles, granite counter tops, flag stone patios, etc. do ? If I knew all the answers and percentages for all of these things, I'd be better prepared to react to this post... and perhaps, be angry at our state legislators who did this. But, there is a LOT, I am sure, of the "rest of the story", so for now, not going to let my emotions (which are naturally cautious about these things) overcome my ability to analyze based on facts. At present, I am more concerned that our way of disposing of everything here in the Villages and surrounding area, by burning everything from plastics to house hold batteries, to who knows what else (don't think each bag is inspected before being put into the giant incinerator) ? Not sure "scrubbers" actually remove all carcinogens ? Another thought that came to mind, is the hazardous material approved for paving more, or less, dangerous than the utility meters attached to our homes, and the fire and carbon monoxide alarms in nearly every room ? Again, that's rhetorical, don't know all the answers to those questions. But, how many people will read that headline and think, "oh that horrible horrible evil man (a governor of any state), when it's actually "we the people" whose representatives proposed this because it was the majority of the people who want this ! Any governor of any state could be personally violently opposed to this, or any other bill, but thankfully that is not how our form was government works ![/QUOTE

Have you even read what is happening in this state? The super majority does whatever the out of control gov wants. For example, the wild wild west bill that changed the need for permits for carrying a gun. UGH, all the crazies will be carrying guns here and there is no way to stop it. Lots of cops will die but they still support him.

[golfing eagles]

[QUOTE=Pairadocs;2230836]Personally I try to follow the Paul Harvey method of examination BEFORE I come to a final conclusion. The headline states the Governor signs..... true, but, what does that really mean ? The bill was put before him by "we the people" through making our desires KNOWN to our elected representatives.... the process in a democratic republic. A governor, a president, can't control the process. That's point #1. Point #2 would be, has this "hazardous" risk been evaluated and found to be as low a level as, for instance, the airport and courthouse security we pass through daily ? The cell phone and microwave radiation we keep in our house or pocket 365 days a year ? The low dose radiation we get from our granite counter tops that is a natural occurrence ? This is what is upsetting about "media", headlines, and even posts of social chat sites like this: is this post meant to ALARM other villagers, without giving factual support to the supposition that this is a significant happening ? Does anyone know if the actual crushed rock used NOW in highway construction contains none of the natural radiation like tiles, granite counter tops, flag stone patios, etc. do ? If I knew all the answers and percentages for all of these things, I'd be better prepared to react to this post... and perhaps, be angry at our state legislators who did this. But, there is a LOT, I am sure, of the "rest of the story", so for now, not going to let my emotions (which are naturally cautious about these things) overcome my ability to analyze based on facts. At present, I am more concerned that our way of disposing of everything here in the Villages and surrounding area, by burning everything from plastics to house hold batteries, to who knows what else (don't think each bag is inspected before being put into the giant incinerator) ? Not sure "scrubbers" actually remove all carcinogens ? Another thought that came to mind, is the hazardous material approved for paving more, or less, dangerous than the utility meters attached to our homes, and the fire and carbon monoxide alarms in nearly every room ? Again, that's rhetorical, don't know all the answers to those questions. But, how many people will read that headline and think, "oh that horrible horrible evil man (a governor of any state), when it's actually "we the people" whose representatives proposed this because it was the majority of the people who want this ! Any governor of any state could be personally violently opposed to this, or any other bill, but thankfully that is not how our form was government works ![/QUOTE

Have you even read what is happening in this state? The super majority does whatever the out of control gov wants. For example, the wild wild west bill that changed the need for permits for carrying a gun. UGH, all the crazies will be carrying guns here and there is no way to stop it. Lots of cops will die but they still support him.

See post #25

Plus, this thread is now on life support

[golfing eagles]

Some people can’t resist

NO POLITICAL POSTS!!!

[Cobullymom]

Good grief! Have any of you read the bill? Here's, verbatim, the first seven lines of it:

An act relating to the use of phosphogypsum; amending
3 s. 336.044, F.S.; authorizing the Department of
4 Transportation to undertake demonstration projects
5 using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate
6 material to determine its feasibility as a paving
7 material;

It's a feasibility study, not an authorization for use.

Yes, a feasibility study..that they all read right past. Just like most, only reading drama laced headlines. I read the news source and just shook my head...and found my gain of salt.

[djlnc]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

Guess I'll need to take roads off my dinner menu...

[Hardlyworking]

This material is stored in open air stacks all around central Florida. If it was that hazardous why would the EPA allow this?

[ithos]

The problem with a lot of posts is that they are political based depending on which party is involved. This thread is a prime example.

That said, I believer there is legitimate reason to criticize the Governor for signing of HB637 which severely restricts direct vehicle sales to consumers.

But the Democrats were in on it too. Can we be bipartisan and slam both parties?

House Bill 637 (2023) - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/637/ByCategory/?Tab=VoteHistory)

[Bill14564]

Good grief! Have any of you read the bill? Here's, verbatim, the first seven lines of it:

An act relating to the use of phosphogypsum; amending
3 s. 336.044, F.S.; authorizing the Department of
4 Transportation to undertake demonstration projects
5 using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate
6 material to determine its feasibility as a paving
7 material;

It's a feasibility study, not an authorization for use.

It is a feasibility study using demonstration projects. What does "demonstration project" mean to you? I can think of a few "demonstration projects":

1. Widening 75 from WIldwood to Ocala would be a nice demonstration project
2. Widening 301 from Sumterville through Wildwood would be a nice demonstration project
3. Partnering with a developer and using the material in their next phase would be a nice demonstration project
4. Converting a plant to use the new material and then using that for all the projects in 2024 would be a nice demonstration project.

When I read "demonstration project" I get the impression that the author wanted me to imagine a few spots in the Gov's parking lot when in reality what was meant was a green light to do whatever they want under the umbrella of "feasibility study."

[Lindsyburnsy]

But, but....

Didn't you read the end of post #4? It's "we the people" who wanted this. We voted for our representatives and they vote for what they know the majority of us want. The Gov simply went along with what he knew we wanted.

It would be interesting to see the science on this. Just how much radiation will be added to what we are already exposed to.
The majority of the people want stricter gun laws and freedom for women to choose what they do with their own bodies, but these lawmakers are not listening to "We The People".

[ThirdOfFive]

Never let pesky facts get in the way of bashing the governor. Come on man!
Lol! Tis the (silly) season, after all.

[Byte1]

Did they actually say that it is RADIOACTIVE waste?
A while back, some roads were being paved with waste material left over from coal fueled power plants. Just saying. Cinders, I believe.
Before everyone panics, does anyone really think that EPA would allow dangerous materials to be used?
Oh well, this makes for a great discussion.

"...that will allow new roads in the state to be built with “radioactive” mining waste that has been linked to cancer." I wonder if this will cause health issues equal to or any more than the water we drink, sodas, alcohol, preservatives in our food, construction materials, automotive fuels, plastics used as food containers, etc. Seems to me that folks are living longer than ever, which many exceeding a hundred years. Surprising how anyone lives as long as they do with all this STRESS they contend with.

[johnsi911]

Another attempt to discredit DeSantis. Here's the real story on phosphogypsum. Be sure to check out the next to last paragraph.

Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer production process. It is a solid waste material that is generated when phosphate rock is treated with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid, which is then used to manufacture various phosphate fertilizers.

Phosphogypsum contains various impurities, including heavy metals, radionuclides, and phosphoric acid residues. As a result, it is considered an environmental concern due to its potential for groundwater contamination and the release of harmful substances.

Due to these environmental concerns, the disposal and management of phosphogypsum can be challenging. One common practice is to store it in large containment areas called "gypsum stacks" or "stacks." These stacks are designed to contain the phosphogypsum and prevent its release into the surrounding environment. However, the long-term management of these stacks remains a topic of ongoing research and regulatory oversight.

Efforts are being made to find alternative uses for phosphogypsum to minimize its environmental impact. Some potential applications include using it as a construction material, soil amendment, or raw material for various industrial processes. However, these applications require careful consideration to ensure that the potential risks associated with phosphogypsum are properly managed.

It's worth noting that the specific regulations and practices regarding phosphogypsum disposal and utilization may vary between countries and regions.

[JRcorvette]

People always Jump to Conclusions before they know all the Facts and if what they hear is True or not. Fact the ground emits Radon Gas all the time and it is only dangerous if it is at high levels over a long period of time in a confined space. Not sure what is going into the road material but it will not be harmful to you driving down the road in your Car.

[HJBeck]

Since most rocks have small quantities of Radon and other low level contaminates, I think you have more to worry about your granite counter tops.

[Wondering]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?
Does that really surprise any intelligent person who can see through Mini-Me? Pathetic human being and wanna be!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

People always Jump to Conclusions before they know all the Facts and if what they hear is True or not. Fact the ground emits Radon Gas all the time and it is only dangerous if it is at high levels over a long period of time in a confined space. Not sure what is going into the road material but it will not be harmful to you driving down the road in your Car.

I'm not so worried about the finished product. My worry is the people who are hired to a) contain the material, b) transport the material, c) release the material to the property where the work will be done and d) directly work with the material to create the roadway once it's been dropped off at its location.

This is going to be insanely costly, and if employees are informed of the risks, it's possible they might not be willing to do the work. If that happens, it's possible that they won't be informed of the risks, and then we'll have multi-million/billion-dollar class action suits on our hands if any of them end up with cancer as a result of direct contact with the dust or fumes while doing the work.

Not to mention - who's going to be wearing full hazmat gear for several hours per day in the grueling hot Florida sun to do this work? It's not something you can just wear gloves for.

[mraines]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?
And people like this man.

[Bill14564]

Since most rocks have small quantities of Radon and other low level contaminates, I think you have more to worry about your granite counter tops.

As I understand it, the concern is less about the material when used as a roadway and more about what happens after the road is abandoned. When the road is abandoned that material becomes a soil contaminant that could potentially wind up in someone's back yard or foundation.

It's a long-term consideration which may or may not result in actual harm. The concern today is that this consideration is being ignored by using harmless-sounding words like feasibility study and demonstration project.

[Marine1974]

Really , did Americans want to go to war in IRAQ or Afghanistan , Vietnam? Did Americans want the national debt to increase to 55 trillion by 2035 ?
Did Americans want social security payments to be taken out of the fund by our government?

[Dotneko]

And people like this man.

Why, yes. Yes we do. An overwhelming number of Floridians voted for him.

[tuccillo]

That material went by the name of "Easy-base", IIRC - at least on instance of the material. It was intended to be the base material for roads and then covered with asphalt. I am familiar with one use of the material to construct golf cart paths (not covered with anything). This didn't work out well and the golf cart paths had to be removed. I am not aware of the current status of this material.

Did they actually say that it is RADIOACTIVE waste?
A while back, some roads were being paved with waste material left over from coal fueled power plants. Just saying. Cinders, I believe.
Before everyone panics, does anyone really think that EPA would allow dangerous materials to be used?
Oh well, this makes for a great discussion.

"...that will allow new roads in the state to be built with “radioactive” mining waste that has been linked to cancer." I wonder if this will cause health issues equal to or any more than the water we drink, sodas, alcohol, preservatives in our food, construction materials, automotive fuels, plastics used as food containers, etc. Seems to me that folks are living longer than ever, which many exceeding a hundred years. Surprising how anyone lives as long as they do with all this STRESS they contend with.

[Bill14564]

Did they actually say that it is RADIOACTIVE waste?
A while back, some roads were being paved with waste material left over from coal fueled power plants. Just saying. Cinders, I believe.
Before everyone panics, does anyone really think that EPA would allow dangerous materials to be used?
Oh well, this makes for a great discussion.

"...that will allow new roads in the state to be built with “radioactive” mining waste that has been linked to cancer." I wonder if this will cause health issues equal to or any more than the water we drink, sodas, alcohol, preservatives in our food, construction materials, automotive fuels, plastics used as food containers, etc. Seems to me that folks are living longer than ever, which many exceeding a hundred years. Surprising how anyone lives as long as they do with all this STRESS they contend with.

Good point. Let's check with the EPA (https://www.epa.gov/radiation/subpart-r-national-emission-standards-radon-emissions-phosphogypsum-stacks):
On June 30, 2021, the EPA withdrew previously granted conditional approval to use phosphogypsum in government road construction projects.

It looks like the answer, at least as of two years ago, is no, they don't allow this dangerous material to be used.

Not sure how the State of Florida intends to get around this but <insert political comment here>

[maistocars]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?
Always good to look into the actual bill and understand what is going on. Coming from a severely one-sided media outlet such as the article attached doesn't do anybody any good. Those outlets seem to really dislike how popular the Governor is and what a great job he is doing and will look to do anything to change that. Such a shame how things are reported.

[rogerk]

If we the people would.only take the time and effort to understand the facts! No, it’s much easier to let the politically biased media tell us what to think. Blame everything on big business and take the simple excuse: “follow the money “. Do you really think our legislators are all capable of analyzing and learning about every issue on their own? Lobbyists provide information and facts. It is up to our representatives to determine and try to understand the issues. Most of the time they do a reasonably good job. Please don’t let politics and election hysteria fool you.

If you really care enough, take the time to do your own research. Otherwise use common sense and not hysteria and ignorance to form your opinions!

[OhioBuckeye]

Seriously is this true or Fake news?

[haysus7]

It’s concerning for sure

[Bogie Shooter]

Seriously is this true or Fake news?

Not sure what you are referencing…was it “governor doing a good job”?🙂

[Number 10 GI]

I'm not so worried about the finished product. My worry is the people who are hired to a) contain the material, b) transport the material, c) release the material to the property where the work will be done and d) directly work with the material to create the roadway once it's been dropped off at its location.

This is going to be insanely costly, and if employees are informed of the risks, it's possible they might not be willing to do the work. If that happens, it's possible that they won't be informed of the risks, and then we'll have multi-million/billion-dollar class action suits on our hands if any of them end up with cancer as a result of direct contact with the dust or fumes while doing the work.

Not to mention - who's going to be wearing full hazmat gear for several hours per day in the grueling hot Florida sun to do this work? It's not something you can just wear gloves for.

Don't you think everything you mentioned will be considered in the feasibility study, especially with the EPA monitoring it.

[Number 10 GI]

As I understand it, the concern is less about the material when used as a roadway and more about what happens after the road is abandoned. When the road is abandoned that material becomes a soil contaminant that could potentially wind up in someone's back yard or foundation.

It's a long-term consideration which may or may not result in actual harm. The concern today is that this consideration is being ignored by using harmless-sounding words like feasibility study and demonstration project.

How many roads have been abandoned in this country? It is way too expensive to abandon an existing roadway to build a new one.

[Bonanza]

Thanks for pointing this out. My understanding is that the radioactivity is like radon, which many people have coming from their basements into their house, thus the need for radon mitigation systems.

In this case, it would be totally out in the open air, so the hazard should be mitigated. But, a study is a good idea, and if successful, would allow a waste product to be utilized vs landfilled/otherwise processed.

So a good thing.

~~ Just so you know ~~
Radon is naturally occurring in granite to all of you who have granite countertops in your kitchen and baths.

[Bonanza]

Why, yes. Yes we do. An overwhelming number of Floridians voted for him.

And this, I believe, is where the buck will end!

[Bonanza]

QUOTE=Pballer;2230825]DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?[/QUOTE]

Gee I wonder if there is a reasonable explanation for this....naaa couldn't be, sounds like DeSantis is trying to give us all cancer.

"The road to hell was paved with good intentions."
Cistercian abbot Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Don't you think everything you mentioned will be considered in the feasibility study, especially with the EPA monitoring it.

I'm pretty confident that our governor doesn't really care what the EPA says or thinks about anything at all, and he'll FIND a way to get around any federal laws. He won't let the fed, or the taxpayers, stop him from doing whatever he wants.

[Hardlyworking]

I'm pretty confident that our governor doesn't really care what the EPA says or thinks about anything at all, and he'll FIND a way to get around any federal laws. He won't let the fed, or the taxpayers, stop him from doing whatever he wants.

What a load of BS.

[Fredster]

What a load of BS.

And it’s intolerant political BS!

[dhdallas]

DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer | The Hill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4075140-desantis-signs-bill-allowing-new-roads-to-be-built-with-mining-waste-linked-to-cancer/amp/)

What will they think of next?

They are only doing a one year study on the feasibility of using phosphogypsum. After that they will still need approval from the EPA. Relax people!

[OhioBuckeye]

No Bogie Shooter, you’re exactly what I’m trying to figure out. If this is the solution why haven’t they been doing this yrs. ago if the could use radioactive waste. There must be a reason, not saying they can’t but I’m just thinking because most of us think radioactive material is dangerous, that’s why I was wondering is this a Fake comment & is this for real!

[fdpaq0580]

Good grief! Have any of you read the bill? Here's, verbatim, the first seven lines of it:

An act relating to the use of phosphogypsum; amending
3 s. 336.044, F.S.; authorizing the Department of
4 Transportation to undertake demonstration projects
5 using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate
6 material to determine its feasibility as a paving
7 material;

It's a feasibility study, not an authorization for use.

Sensible people take the fun out of everything! You don't need to read the article to make fun of the headline. Sheesh! Get a funny bone.

[fdpaq0580]

~~ Just so you know ~~
Radon is naturally occurring in granite to all of you who have granite countertops in your kitchen and baths.

That explains the extra ear on my forehead.

[manaboutown]

So we will now have Radon Roads in addition to having phosphogypsum in our aquifers?

"EPA has determined that phosphogypsum poses a cancer risk from its radon emissions. Major sinkholes in phosphogypsum stacks have released millions of gallons of process wastewater and an undetermined amount of phosphogypsum into the Floridan aquifer. EPA has declared a Mississippi fertilizer plant and phosphogypsum stack system a Superfund site, and a phos- phogypsum stack in Louisiana has been moving laterally since January 2019, putting surround- ing communities and farms at risk"

From: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/phosphate_mining/pdfs/phosphogypsum-factsheet.pdf

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

They are only doing a one year study on the feasibility of using phosphogypsum. After that they will still need approval from the EPA. Relax people!

They're wasting taxpayer money on a study on the feasibility of something the EPA has already said "please don't do that."

[Pballer]

They're wasting taxpayer money on a study on the feasibility of something the EPA has already said "please don't do that."

Phosphogypsum was approved for road use by the EPA in October 2020 in the previous administration. That approval was rescinded in 2021.

Request to Use Phosphogypsum in Government Road Projects: Supporting Documents | US EPA (https://www.epa.gov/radiation/request-use-phosphogypsum-government-road-projects-supporting-documents)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Phosphogypsum was approved for road use by the EPA in October 2020 in the previous administration. That approval was rescinded in 2021.

Request to Use Phosphogypsum in Government Road Projects: Supporting Documents | US EPA (https://www.epa.gov/radiation/request-use-phosphogypsum-government-road-projects-supporting-documents)

Right. Thanks for posting the link. It supports my previous post - that our state's leader wastes money on a feasibility study for something that the EPA has already said - don't do that.

[golfing eagles]

Right. Thanks for posting the link. It supports my previous post - that our state's leader wastes money on a feasibility study for something that the EPA has already said - don't do that.

No idea how this thread survives with all the political BS

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

No idea how this thread survives with all the political BS

Because it's not political. This fact would still be factual, if the state's leader was someone else or was a member of any other political party. It would be factual if it happened in another state. When the EPA says "you can't do this thing" it means - there's no need or reason to spend a single dime of taxpayer money on a study to determine whether or not this thing is feasible. It is already determined to be NOT feasible, by the EPA.

If it was a Democrat governor my opinion would be exactly the same. Don't waste taxpayer dollars on a feasibility study for something the EPA has already said you can't do.

[Dotneko]

Right. Thanks for posting the link. It supports my previous post - that our state's leader wastes money on a feasibility study for something that the EPA has already said - don't do that.

You do know that the current administration unilaterally rescinded many things approved by the previous administration just as a matter of course? Nothing to do with it being proven good or bad, just politics. Id like to see a study.

[mtdjed]

So now we have a response to a Florida Bill the governor signed in response to a question about how to use a material deemed to be hazardous , that sits in piles in many places in Florida. Think about that. It already exists and continues to grow.

Why did this forum post start? Because the OP started with a news article that was deliberately misstating the intent of Florida bill HB 1191. "DeSantis signs bill allowing new roads to be built with mining waste linked to cancer BY OLAFIMIHAN OSHIN - 06/29/23 9:43 PM ET."

That was not the intention of the Bill HB1191 at all as mentioned in previous posts. IT IS A STUDY.

And now we get a comment about how the governor will abuse any federal law. What would one say if we made the same statement about a President regarding some of His/Her attempts to do whatever they want?

We all have opinions, but we have been advised to use care and facts.

[manaboutown]

Looks like it is just a study so you will not soon be stuck driving a Radon Road. Any use would need to be EPA approved. 'Radioactive' roads: DeSantis signs law to test phosphogypsum (https://www.wesh.com/article/radioactive-roads-florida/44402513#)

[golfing eagles]

Because it's not political. This fact would still be factual, if the state's leader was someone else or was a member of any other political party. It would be factual if it happened in another state. When the EPA says "you can't do this thing" it means - there's no need or reason to spend a single dime of taxpayer money on a study to determine whether or not this thing is feasible. It is already determined to be NOT feasible, by the EPA.

If it was a Democrat governor my opinion would be exactly the same. Don't waste taxpayer dollars on a feasibility study for something the EPA has already said you can't do.

So, IF I posted that only an idiot would push to forgive $3 trillion in student loans that were legally contracted that's not political either????