Protect Apalachicola from Oil Drilling

Oil Drilling Proposal Threatens Apalachicola’s Legendary Fishing & Oyster Economy

DEP offers initial support to drilling plan that would undermine state-led efforts to restore the “Oyster Capital of the World”

Updated April 30, 2024 | Contact: team@downriverproject.org

Apalachicola, FL – Forgotten Coast oyster farmers, fishermen, and residents are speaking out against an oil company’s application to drill beside the flowing waters of the Apalachicola River Basin. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has stated that it wants to approve this proposal, despite historic investments by Gov. Ron DeSantis to restore the oyster economy.

“As an oyster farmer in Apalachicola Bay, my livelihood depends on clean water,” said Jeff Wren of Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Company. “I'm concerned about drilling upriver for many reasons. Things like accidental spills of the chemicals used to drill or accidental fuel spills from the heavy equipment used could have devastating effects on my farm and others in this area. It's not a great idea to drill adjacent to the most productive estuary in the Northern Hemisphere."

Clearwater Land & Minerals wants DEP’s permission to begin “wildcat” drilling less than a mile from the river and beside wetlands within the Apalachicola floodplain (see map). This type of drilling punches through the aquifer, uses toxic chemicals, and can draw thousands of gallons of fresh water every day. The owner of the company, Chip Campbell, is a wealthy South Florida horse polo enthusiast.

An awareness campaign by the Downriver Project helped nearly 800 citizens write to DEP in just one week—more opposition than the agency has seen on all previous Florida drilling applications combined. Just one person has written in support, according to state records.

In spite of public opinion, DEP’s decision-maker, Gerald Walker, issued a “notice of intent” late on Friday, April 26, stating that his agency supported the project. This decision is not final and can still be challenged or withdrawn.

When asked in 2021 about the possibility of drilling in this location, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) warned that the “accidental release of fuel, crude oil, chemicals, drilling fluids and hazardous materials could impact fish and wildlife resources in the floodplain." 

This would be the third attempt at riverside oil drilling in Apalachicola’s modern history. In 2019, DEP issued another oil company, Cholla Petroleum, a similar permit but they ultimately did not drill.

“A lot has changed in those five years,” said Gil Damon, who serves as director of the Downriver Project. “For one, the bay has closed, which is devastating. State leaders are starting to understand the importance of oystering in Apalachicola Bay, and we now have significant progress toward restoration. Why would DEP want to set fire to all of that?”

Peter Scalco, who retired from DEP after 33 years, agreed. “I managed Fort Gadsden on the Apalachicola Bluffs,” said Scalco, “and I know what this would mean for the river and the bay. The public needs to write to DEP and give them the ammo they need to do the right thing.”

The Apalachicola is Florida’s wildest river. It holds the state’s largest number of fish species, supports America’s greatest diversity of amphibians and reptiles, and delivers vital fresh water to the commercial oyster beds of Apalachicola Bay. Known as the “Oyster Capital of the World,” Apalachicola supported some 2,500 oyster jobs just a decade ago.

In recent years, a struggling oyster population has forced the closure of Apalachicola Bay, leaving traditional oyster harvesters without work. The Florida Legislature and Gov. DeSantis responded last year with a taxpayer investment of $17 million to restore the bay. This fund, in combination with other efforts, including oyster farming programs, has supported a slow financial and ecological recovery, giving hope to Apalachicola.

Now, an oil company is threatening this fragile progress. It’s up to the men and women of the Forgotten Coast to fight back.