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NewsWMNF Tampa Community RadioAugust 17, 2026Hillsborough

Appeals court upholds EPA approval of radioactive phosphogypsum for Polk County road paving test

An appeals court has ruled in favor of the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing the use of phosphogypsum—a byproduct of fertilizer production containing radioactive material—as a material for a road paving pilot project in Polk County. The decision follows a legal challenge brought by the Center for Biological Diversity against the federal agency's approval of the substance.

environmenttransportationwaste managementlitigationpublic health
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Why It Matters

This ruling permits the use of radioactive waste materials in public infrastructure projects, establishing a precedent for how industrial byproducts are managed in road construction within Florida.

Key Facts

  • An appeals court ruled that the EPA may allow the use of phosphogypsum in road construction.
  • Phosphogypsum is a radioactive byproduct generated during the production of fertilizer.
  • The ruling specifically pertains to a road paving test project located in Polk County.
  • The Center for Biological Diversity initiated a lawsuit to block the EPA's approval of this material.

Who's Mentioned

organizationWMNF 88.5 FM“Source of the news report.”organizationMosaic Fertilizer“The company that requested EPA approval for the test in 2022.”organizationEnvironmental Protection Agency“The federal agency that approved the use of phosphogypsum for the test.”organization11th Circuit Court of Appeals“The court that issued the ruling approving the test.”organizationCenter for Biological Diversity“The plaintiff that sued the EPA to stop the use of phosphogypsum.”personRagan Whitlock“Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity.”locationPolk County“The location of the proposed road paving test.”