Trulieve gets a state order over wastewater from its Monticello grow

Florida's Department of Environmental Protection entered a consent order with Trulieve over its Capps Highway cultivation site in Monticello, after neighbors complained about runoff. The agency says reverse-osmosis reject water and condensate from dehumidifiers and HVAC systems was sprayed on the outdoor lawn, and some left the property without a discharge permit.

The order does not find that drinking water or waterways were contaminated at unsafe levels. It does require an irrigation plan within 30 days, a permit application within 120 days, and either an $80,000 payment or an approved improvement project worth at least $120,000 within 90 days. Trulieve plans to take the project route. Violations of the order could cost up to $15,000 a day.

Water handling is an unglamorous line item, but it is one regulators and neighbors can act on. For any large indoor grower, wastewater from dehumidification is a compliance question to answer before a complaint forces it.