Protect Our Ecosystems

STOP POISONING US!

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Come join us at the

Sunshine Water Control District Board Meeting

Wednesday

April 9, 2025 @ 4:00PM

Mullins Hall

10170 NW 29th St. Coral Springs, FL 33065

CEASE AND DESIST LETTER

Safe Water South Florida

Coral Springs, FL 33065

safewatersouthflorida@gmail.com

April 7, 2025

Ms. Jamie Sanchez, District Manager

(877) 276-0889

info@sunshinewcd.net

Mr. Cory Selchan, Field Superintendent

Corys@csidfl.org

Sunshine Water District Corporate Office

Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC

2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W

Boca Raton, FL 33431

877-276-0889

Subject: Cease and Desist – Application of Dangerous and Toxic Herbicides in Winding’s Park Lake and Canal

District Manager Sanchez and Field Superintendent Selchan:

Safe Water South Florida, a coalition of concerned residents and property owners in Coral Springs, formally demand that the Sunshine Water District immediately cease and desist applying dangerous and toxic herbicides in Winding's Park Lake and Canal and all of North-Central Broward County.

The continued use of these chemicals poses significant risks to humans and wildlife, threatens local ecosystems, and is creating a toxic cleanup site that could drastically reduce property values in our communities.

Many of these herbicides have been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer, organ failure, neurological disorders as well as causing permanent ecological damage.

The contamination of our waterways not only endangers our ecosystem and health but also increases the financial and legal liability for all responsible parties.

We are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the chemicals used, their long-term effects, and the absence of safer, alternative vegetation management methods like mechanical harvesting.

We demand that the Sunshine Water District take the following immediate actions:

1. Cease all applications of dangerous and toxic herbicides in Windings Park Lake and Canal and all of North-Central Broward county immediately.

2. Disclose a full list of chemicals that have been applied, including quantities, frequency, and any related permits.

3. Implement sustainable, non-toxic methods for aquatic vegetation control that do not endanger public health or the environment by contacting Weedoo, Solitude Lake Managment, and Florida Aquatic to implement the mechanical harvesting of aquatic plant growth.

Failure to comply with these demands within fourteen days will result in further action, including but not limited to:

I. Petitioning Local Elected Officials to sanction your firm and/or cancel your contract(s).

II. Filing formal complaints with state and federal environmental agencies.

III. Pursuing legal action for health and property damages and to prevent further environmental degradation. Keep in mind that Monsanto has paid out nearly $11 billion in cancer claims since 2020 for the use of Roundup that contains glyphosate.

Knowing this imposes legal liability upon all responsible parties and all causes of action at law will be pursued should the use of these dangerous and toxic chemicals continue, including but not limited to:

1. Public Nuisance

• Creating or allowing conditions that endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

• Contaminating water sources with harmful herbicides constitutes an unreasonable interference with public rights.

2. Private Nuisance

• Interference with the use and enjoyment of private property.

• Financial damages resulting from diminished property values.

3. Trespass

• Unauthorized entry of harmful substances onto private property.

• Herbicide drift or contamination of adjacent lands can be considered trespass.

4. Violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA)

• Discharge of pollutants into navigable waters without proper permits.

• If herbicides are entering local waterways, this may violate federal environmental regulations.

5. Breach of Fiduciary Duty

• Government entities have a duty to protect public health and the environment.

• Failing to mitigate known risks from hazardous chemicals can be considered a breach of that duty.

6. Fraud or Misrepresentation

• Misleading the public about the safety of herbicide use or concealing the risks.

• Providing false or incomplete information regarding the environmental impact of their practices.

7. Strict Liability for Abnormally Dangerous Activities

• Engaging in activities that inherently pose a high risk of harm.

• The application of toxic herbicides in residential or environmentally sensitive areas may fall under this doctrine.

8. Violation of State Environmental Laws

• Florida state laws regulating pesticide and herbicide use may impose additional legal obligations.

• Violations of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations can be grounds for enforcement action.

9. Failure to Warn

• Failure to adequately warn residents about the risks of exposure to harmful chemicals.

• Lack of sufficient notification or community outreach before applying toxic substances.

10. Product Liability (Against Manufacturers).

• If the herbicides were defective or unreasonably dangerous, the manufacturer could also be liable for harm caused. Monsanto’s liability for glyphosate exposure would be relevant since the herbicides used contain this chemical.

This letter serves as official notice of your potential liability for damages resulting from these actions. We urge you to take immediate corrective measures to protect the health of our community members, natural resources, and property values.

Please provide a written response detailing your planned course of action no later than fourteen days from the date of this letter.

Sincerely,

Gloria Guillo, MPA

Co-Founder

Safe Water South Florida

Frankie Romano, SR., Secretary

seat1@sunshinewcd.net

Peter Palmer, Vice President

seat2@sunshinewcd.net

Laurence Kaldor, ESQ, President

seat3@sunshinewcd.net

c/o Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC