The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is currently investigating a report about a runoff found in a creek at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda.
NBC2 went up there to talk to employees about the runoff but because of this investigation, employees couldn't talk.
We reached out to the executive director, Tanna Horner who sent NBC2 a statement on Wednesday.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens abuts the Peace River and Hunter’s Creek estuary. Our property encompasses the conservation of 27 acres of precious natural habitats, providing a sanctuary for a diverse array of aquatic and land-based wildlife. As a conservation organization, we are compelled to raise awareness if there is a threat to the health of our ecosystems.
A portion of our land is located downstream of industrial properties, and we were recently informed of run-off concerns. A report was filed into the DEP portal, and it is the State’s role to investigate the causes and solutions. We have full confidence that the state and area businesses will work together to remediate this concern.
NBC2 visited nearby industrial properties, but they didn't want to talk on camera about this problem. However, one manager at Trademark Metals Recycling stated that they have strict rules to follow from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and has never heard of any runoff in the Peace River.