The Latest: The EPA has granted conditional approval for Florida’s first test of PG in road construction—a major milestone in efforts to recycle this byproduct into valuable new uses. Planned for a rural stretch of private property in Central Florida, the project is expected to receive full and final approval from the EPA following a 45-day public comment period, now closing on November 23.
Why it matters: Florida’s phosphate industry produces millions of tons of PG, which is often stored in large stacks. This pilot project could open pathways to repurpose that PG in infrastructure, which is a win-win for the environment and economy. Long-term, PG could become a key resource for building roads and bridges, reducing reliance on traditional materials and cutting down on waste.
A win for the environment & economy: This project is an important step toward reducing gypstacks by putting PG to productive use and underscores Florida’s commitment to innovation and locally sourced resources.
Catch up quick:
- May 2023: Florida legislators direct the state Department of Transportation to study PG’s potential in road construction.
- November 2023: A formal industry request was submitted to the EPA to approve PG use in a small-scale road base study.
- April 2024: The Florida Department of Transportation releases their study that finds PG could “meet FDOT standards” and that “full-scale field tests” will help further evaluate PG use.
- October 2024: EPA gives tentative approval to build test road project using PG.
The Pilot at a Glance: On private phosphate industry land in Polk County, this 3,200-foot test road will be divided into eight segments, each testing PG-based designs against traditional materials. With around 1,200 tons of PG in use, each section will have a control for side-by-side monitoring of safety, durability, and performance over an 18-month study.
What’s next: We’ll keep you updated on the project’s progress as Florida leads the way in transforming phosphate byproducts into forward-looking infrastructure solutions.
