An analysis of the involvement of the Miccosukee tribe of Indians in the litigation of water quality standards in the everglades

Water is one of, if not the most, valued natural resource on the planet. Over the years, the quality of Earth\u27s waters has deteriorated primarily due to pollution. All ecosystems are highly dependent on this resource, which makes it very important to protect water from unnecessary pollution. One ecosystem that has been greatly affected by pollution, mainly as a result from runoff of fertilizers used by farmers in the region, has been the Everglades located in south Florida. As a result, the protection and desire to restore this ecosystem has become the subject for litigation in recent years. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians is the chief litigant for the pursuit for improved water quality due to their dependence on the water of the Everglades for survival. This thesis will examine the Everglades in its entirety by providing a history of the establishment of the Everglades as well as a description of the Everglades ecosystem and the water quality. The thesis will then introduce the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and how they have become dependent on the Everglades ecosystem. Finally, the thesis will examine the involvement of the state and federal government in the issue of water quality through various agencies and pieces of legislation. The purpose of this thesis is to then analyze several cases in which the Miccosukee Tribe has been an interested party and sought to achieve improvements for the water quality of the Everglades. In addition to the original cases, the thesis will provide subsequent case history through its most current status. The thesis will explain whether the Miccosukee Tribe has been successful in its attempt to provide strict standards for water quality and hold those in violation of these standards responsible for their actions