Suncoast Waterkeeper accuses Nokomis scrapyard of polluting Venice bays
A nonprofit alleges All Scrap Nokomis is discharging iron levels ten times above federal limits into Dona and Roberts Bays.
By Malik Salazar ·
Suncoast Waterkeeper has issued a formal notice of intent to sue All Scrap Nokomis over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.
The nonprofit states that the scrap metal facility at 492 Riverview Drive South is unlawfully discharging polluted stormwater into nearby waterways. This action marks the latest legal challenge against the company, which is already engaged in a prolonged dispute with Sarasota County over its land use permits.
According to the notice delivered last month, the facility has exceeded federal industrial stormwater benchmarks for iron by more than ten times. The complaint, filed by founder Justin Bloom, cites laboratory results from samples collected over two months starting in July. Scientists also detected elevated levels of aluminum, copper, zinc, total suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand in the water.
The Waterkeeper traces the path of this contaminated runoff to two distinct destinations. Stormwater exiting the rear of the facility flows west into a ditch along the Legacy Trail. This water reaches a canal near the kayak launch at Florence Street in Nokomis Riverview Park, which opens directly into Shakett Creek and Dona Bay.
Runoff from the front entrance enters the municipal collection system on Riverview Drive South. Bloom explains that this system also drains into Dona Bay. Although Roberts Bay and Dona Bay are separate bodies of water, Sarasota County classifies them as a single estuary and watershed. This designation means pollutants introduced into one bay can migrate to the other.
The notice of intent grants All Scrap until December 21 to remedy the alleged contamination. If the company fails to comply, Waterkeeper will file a lawsuit. The filing also signals the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the issue, potentially inviting federal oversight.
Chuck Hussey, the company’s chief strategy and development officer, confirmed the company is aware of the threat to sue. He declined to comment on the specifics, deferring to the legal team. The company has not yet reached out to the nonprofit to discuss a resolution.
All Scrap, owned by Alexis Properties LLC, has faced scrutiny since acquiring the Nokomis location in June 2024. County records show the property has received one violation and has two pending investigations. Residents have filed numerous complaints regarding noise and code issues, particularly after the 2024 hurricanes when large quantities of scrap metal were stored outdoors near residential areas.
In November 2024, the county issued a code violation for unauthorized metal stockpiling. The facility operated for at least a month after a cease-and-desist order and refused entry for code workers. The County Commission upheld staff’s denial of the Business Use Permit in June 2025, and the county subsequently filed a lawsuit for continuing violations.
That state court case remains open. Justin Bloom stated that the facility must comply with the Clean Water Act regardless of the outcome of the county litigation. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, noted that recycling facilities must operate responsibly to protect the local waters.
