Environmental Justice
Healing our community from decades of environmental harm
Confronting Environmental Injustice
Environmental justice is central to North Port St. Joe's efforts to rebuild and improve the community. For decades, the area suffered from pollution caused by industrial activities, including toxic waste dumping by the St. Joe Paper Company. Harmful chemicals like arsenic, lead, and manganese were released into local waterways and wetlands, causing long-lasting damage to the environment and the health of residents.
Many homes in this historically Black community were built on contaminated land, leading to issues like sinking foundations and cracked roofs. These environmental harms have hit North Port St. Joe hard, adding to the challenges of redlining, industrial decline and neglect.
In the Community
Environmental Justice in Practice
NPSJCDC's environmental work connects contamination history, health, housing, and sustainable redevelopment.
The Work Ahead
Sustainable Redevelopment and Health Monitoring
Despite community wins, North Port St. Joe still faces challenges from past pollution, economic disinvestment and housing insecurity. NPSJCDC is focused on tackling these problems by supporting sustainable redevelopment, monitoring community health and creating fair economic opportunities that match the community's vision for a healthier and more just future.
Focus Areas
Our Environmental Justice Work
Sustainable redevelopment
Community health monitoring
Fair economic opportunities
Response to past pollution
Housing insecurity connected to contaminated land
A healthier and more just future shaped by the community's vision
Learn More About Our Environmental Work
Contact us to find out how to get involved in the environmental justice work in North Port St. Joe.