This week, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., said he is pressing federal officials to take swift action to investigate the cause of a likely fuel spill near Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey, mitigate any damage, and identify possible remedies to prevent future recurrences of the conditions that caused Port Richey residents to wake up to a strong smell of fuel in the air. He said he wanted the Coast Guard to be involved in the investigation.
Bilirakis, who serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee as well as co-chairs the Travel & Tourism Caucus, said he understands the value of water quality throughout the region.
“Countless people rely on these waters for their livelihoods, sporting, and recreation, which together make Port Richey the vibrant community that many people call home,” said Bilirakis. “The local economy is also largely dependent on our ability to maintain our area’s pristine natural resources. For these reasons, I have been championing a variety of initiatives to protect Florida’s waterways. Therefore, it is very concerning that this fuel spill occurred, and I’m determined to make sure that no stone is left unturned in discovering its source as we strengthen precautions to prevent future spills.”
Bilirakis also set the expectation that the federal review of the situation be both thorough and timely in order to limit the environmental and economic impact.
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