DEP open house Oct. 29 on Mosaic's draft permit for deep test wells at its Riverview facility

AI-generated illustration. Conceptual illustration of an uninstalled steel well casing, geological samples and rolled technical plans. Inspired by the story and Riverview.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has issued a draft permit that would let Mosaic Fertilizer build two deep exploratory wells and a monitoring well at its Riverview facility on U.S. Highway 41 S. Residents can question DEP and Mosaic staff at an open house Thursday, Oct. 29, and can send written comments through Nov. 5.

The permit is a draft, not a final decision. DEP says comments received through Nov. 5 will be considered as it decides whether to issue it.

Mosaic Riverview test-well permit: key dates

1. June 24, 2026

   Mosaic applies for the permit

2. Sept. 23, 2026

   DEP issues the draft permit

3. Sept. 27, 2026

   Notice published in the Tampa Bay Times

4. Oct. 29, 2026

   Open house, 4–7 p.m., Gibsonton

5. Nov. 5, 2026

   Last day for written comments

Source: floridadep.gov

What the draft permit would allow

According to DEP's notice, the permit would authorize construction of two Class V, Group 9 exploratory wells and an associated dual-zone monitoring well at 8813 U.S. Highway 41 S. The exploratory wells are designed to reach 3,500 feet below land surface.

The wells are meant to gather information. DEP says the data would help evaluate whether the underground geology and confinement are suitable for potential underground injection activities.

What it would not allow

DEP states that injection or disposal of wastewater is not authorized under this draft permit. Any underground injection of wastewater would need a separate permit authorization.

DEP says the draft was noticed after an extensive review of the plans by its staff, including engineering and geology professionals.

How to weigh in

DEP describes the Oct. 29 session at 6219 Symmes Road in Gibsonton as an open house public meeting, with DEP and Mosaic representatives on hand to answer questions and provide information. Anyone who wants to put spoken comments on the record can do so individually at an oral comment station.

Written comments can be handed in at the meeting or sent to Richard Lobinske of DEP's Drinking Water and Aquifer Protection Program through Thursday, Nov. 5. DEP lists his mailing address as 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3530, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400, and the program email as APP@FloridaDEP.gov. The same contact can provide more information on the draft permit or a copy of the meeting agenda.

Anyone who needs ADA accommodations or free translation is asked to contact DEP's Limited English Proficiency Coordinator at 850-245-2118 or LEP@FloridaDEP.gov at least 10 days before the meeting.