The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Drinking Water and Aquifer Protection Program is hosting an open house public meeting to which all persons are invited. Please note that the meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 pm local time (CDT).
During this public meeting, representatives of both DEP and the applicant (Ascend Performance Materials, LLC, or Ascend) will be available to answer questions and provide information about a draft underground injection control permit (File No. 0001150-013-015-UO/1I, WACS ID 2222). The draft permit proposes to authorize the continued operation of three Class I industrial injection wells at the Ascend Performance Materials facility located at 3000 Old Chemstrand Rd., Cantonment, Florida 32533, in Escambia County. These Class I injection wells dispose of wastewater primarily generated from the manufacturing of synthetic fibers and organic chemicals. Injected wastewater is also from other related activities such as blowdown and condensate, laboratory and utility operations, and wastewater from the Cerex Advanced Fabrics, Inc., facility. Ascend applied for the permit on Nov. 24, 2021. The draft permit was issued on Aug. 31, 2026, and the Notice of Draft Permit was published in the Pensacola News Journal on Sept. 2, 2026. The draft permit has been noticed following an extensive review of plans by DEP, including engineering and geology professionals.
More information on the draft permit or a copy of the public meeting's agenda may be obtained by contacting Richard Lobinske, DEP Drinking Water and Aquifer Protection Program, by U.S. mail at 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3530, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, by phone at 850-245-8655 or by email at APP@FloridaDEP.gov.
Written public comments can be submitted during the public meeting or can be sent to Richard Lobinske as listed above through Friday, Oct. 17, 2026. Those wishing to enter oral comments into the record at the public meeting will be able to do so on an individual basis at an oral comment station. All comments received through Oct. 17, 2026, will be considered in formulation of DEP's final decisions regarding permit issuance and shall be addressed as provided in Rule 62-528.330, F.A.C.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) are asked to contact the Department's Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Coordinator at 850-245-2118 or LEP@FloridaDEP.gov at least ten (10) days before the meeting. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice)
