TALLAHASSEE - Jacksonville inspectors handed out 349 citations last year for petroleum storage systems that were not up to par.
Of those, 74 were classified as "significant" or "the greatest threat or potential for harm to drinking water and/or surface water," according to an email sent from James Richardson, the administrator of Jacksonville's Environmental Protection Board, to board members this week. It could be harder to stay on top of the problem moving forward.
Proposed cuts could take away millions of dollars from environmental programs funded by the state but operated by local governments. They will hit petroleum inspection and air quality programs, which concerns local officials.
The cuts could "greatly impact the health and safety of our citizens," Richardson wrote in the lengthy email.
State officials say the cuts represent needed belt-tightening and that they are helping local governments adjust to minimize the impact.
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