David Boyd, a biologist employed by Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health, filed a lawsuit for whistleblower protection. The news came forth in a Public Employees for Environmental Protection (PEER) release.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages for violating the Florida Whistleblower Act and for wrongful termination over his concern that the agencies involved in the Stretch Project failed to properly address the project’s violation of the National Environmental Protection Act.

Boyd’s research found adverse effects from a highway-widening project on an 18-mile stretch that borders the Everglades on US 1 in the Upper Keys. Construction began in April, and the $148 million project is scheduled for completion in summer 2009.

Environmental scientists believe the project may disturb the area’s sensitive environmental ecosystem and endanger wildlife species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The highway expansion project also necessitates the removal of the two boat ramps between Florida City and Jewfish Creek (part of the 18-mile stretch), creating some access issues for boaters in the area.

FS