WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 4 (UPI) -- The Army Corps of Engineers has agreed in West Palm Beach, Fla., to investigate the ways its wetlands permits have affected Florida's environment.
The agreement came in the settlement of a lawsuit filed by environmentalists. In return for the statewide study, the corps agreed to drop the suit, the St. Petersburg Times reported Friday.
The corps agreed to study the cumulative impact of thousands of permits it has issued for dredging and filling wetlands in Florida and then post the results on the Internet.
There will be two pilot studies completed next year in two watersheds. The study of the entire state would be due in 2007.
"I don't think it's going to reform the corps, but I think it levels the playing field and helps provide more accountability," said Lesley Blackner of Palm Beach, Fla., who is representing the environmentalists.
"Both sides are satisfied with the resolution of the case," said Department of Justice lawyer Andrew Doyle, who represented the corps.
