Hearing on Chiquita Lock removal wraps up

A legal challenge to the state intent to issue a permit for the removal of the Chiquita Lock concluded Friday following a third day of testimony from witnesses for the city and rebuttal witnesses.

Administrative Law Judge Francine M. Ffolkes continued to hear testimony in the challenge filed by a coalition that includes the Matlacha Civic Association, two residents of Matlacha, one resident of St. James City and four residents of the city of Cape Coral.

The plaintiff group contests the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's notice that it will issue the city of Cape Coral the permit to remove the water control structure.

The group challenging the lock's removal contends the water control structure - or a new one - is needed to protect water quality.

At the Friday's hearing extension, Dr. Anthony Janecki was among those who testified.

A representative for the petitioners, Michael Hannon, cross examined Janecki, who, in answer, said he didn't know for sure where the nutrients in the water were going, nor was a study done on where nitrogen is flowing out of the canal.