TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is asking a federal appeals court to quickly halt a district judge’s ruling that would require a series of steps aimed at protecting manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon.

The department last week filed a motion that argued the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals should stay an injunction issued May 19 by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza that included requirements such as temporarily preventing new septic tanks in the lagoon area. The state says the injunction should be put on hold until an underlying appeal of Mendoza’s ruling can play out. Related: WASTING AWAY: A Tampa Bay Times investigation

Attorneys for the department said in the 26-page motion that parts of the injunction are scheduled to take effect as

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