The Mandatory Phosphate Program (MANPHO) is responsible for
administering the rules related to the reclamation of lands mined for
phosphate after July 1, 1975, and the rules related to Environmental and
Wetland Resource Permits for phosphate mined lands. (Chapters 378, Part
II, and 373, Part IV, Florida Statutes; Chapters 62C-16, 62-312, 62-4,
62-343, 62-341, and 40X -4, Florida Administrative Code). Of the
commodities mined in Florida, phosphate mining is the most land
intensive, disturbing between 5,000 to 6,000 acres annually;
approximately 25-30% of these lands are isolated wetlands or wetlands
connected to waters of the state
- The Florida Legislature mandated reclamation of lands mined for
phosphate after July 1, 1975. Part of our extensive evaluations in
reclamation design includes analysis of water quantity impacts,
consideration of best available technology, and focusing on
preservation of wildlife habitat and resources. Reclamation
standards for phosphate lands are detailed in Chapter 62C-16 of the
Florida Administrative Code. Reclamation standards for phosphate
lands include contouring to safe slopes, providing for acceptable
water quality and quantity, revegetation, and the return of wetlands
to premining type, nature, function, and acreage.
- The Integrated Habitat Network (IHN)
plan is the focus for the reclamation and permitting efforts for
phosphate mining in Central Florida. The IHN is based on a
conceptual reclamation plan for the entire phosphate-mining district
(approximately 1.3 million acres of land). The goals of the IHN are:
replace drainage and hydrologic functions disrupted by mining
operations; and, provide quality wildlife habitat and corridor by
maximization of habitat replacement, protection and connection. The
IHN is not a permit nor is it an approval.
- Phosphate mining occurs primarily in the central Florida area
(Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Hardee counties). One phosphate
mining company operates in North Florida (Hamilton County). The
phosphate-mining district covers approximately 1.3 million acres of
land known as the “Bone Valley”.
- There are 27 phosphate mines covering more than 491,900 acres.
The smaller phosphate mine is approximately 5,000 acres with the
largest being approximately 100,000 acres in size. Routine
compliance inspections are conducted for mines regulated by the
Mandatory Phosphate program to ensure reclamation activities are in
compliance with reclamation rules.
- All phosphate lands disturbed after July 1, 1975 have a
mandatory reclamation requirement. As of December 31, 2009,
approximately seventy-one percent (71%) of the land mined for
phosphate since July 1, 1975 have been reclaimed. The rest of the
acreage is under different types of mining operations.
Financial Responsibility Reports
Mining, Mitigation and Delineation Home
Bob Martinez Center, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3577, Tallahassee, FL
32399-2400 Phone (850) 413-7777