Conservation group chides Florida plan on potential exploratory oil drilling in Apalachicola River

CHATTAHOOCHEE, Fla. – The Apalachicola Riverkeeper, a local conservation organization, condemned a plan Monday from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to reportedly grant a permit for exploratory oil drilling in the Apalachicola River.

“I am writing on behalf of Apalachicola Riverkeeper to express profound disappointment and grave concerns regarding the recent ‘intent to issue’ by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the Clearwater Land and Minerals oil and gas drilling permit,” the letter reads.

Furthermore, the Apalachicola Riverkeeper expressed that the decision posed a “significant threat” to the ecosystem of the Apalachicola River, along with its economic impact on area communities.

In a rebuttal to Florida’s Voice, the DEP stated “all permit applications are carefully evaluated under Florida law to ensure that all aspects of the operation will follow the law and are protective of the environment and human health and safety.”

Specifically, the agency highlighted the permit was to drill and test the well only, not to commercially produce it. It also noted it is the same exploratory well that was previously permitted in 2019 to Cholla Petroleum, Inc.

“This permit requires the pad be constructed to meet design requirements for extreme weather conditions as well as be inspected and certificated to ensure the pad (including the surrounding protective berm) was properly constructed prior to commencement of any drilling operations,” the DEP said.

The agency also noted Clearwater Land & Mineral, LLC is required to publish the notice in a local newspaper, which initiates a 21-day period for filing a petition for an administrative hearing.

Established in 1998, the Apalachicola Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to the “protection, restoration, and stewardship” of the Apalachicola River and Bay. Its mission also is to improve and maintain the river and bay’s environmental integrity while preserving its natural, scenic, recreational, and commercial fishing character.

The organization also is one of 1,400 members supported by the international Waterkeeper Alliance and Florida Waterkeepers, all of whom use the Apalachicola River and Bay.

Located on Florida’s Panhandle, the Apalachicola River is a wide, curving river rolling down to Apalachicola Bay. The river also features the highest diversity of freshwater fish species in the state, making it one of the best places for fishing in Florida.

Specifically, the Apalachicola Riverkeeper noted the basin is a “vital resource” for supporting diverse wildlife and providing habitat for endangered and threatened species.

“The decision to grant a permit for oil drilling in such a sensitive environment demonstrates a disregard for the long term health and sustainability of our natural resources,” the letter said.

The Apalachicola Riverkeeper also expressed the permit sets a “dangerous precedent” for Florida’s future, noting the ruling undermines regulatory agencies while threatening, degrading, and exploiting the river’s natural heritage.

“By prioritizing the potential short term economic gains of an oil company and landowner over the protection of our natural resources, the DEP sends a message that profit for a few trumps environmental stewardship and sustainable economy for the many,” the letter said.