No dice on dying river for St. Pat's, county says.

Byline: Amy Sherman

Feb. 4--The New River in Fort Lauderdale won't be dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, after Broward County environmental regulators rejected a request by party promoters to dump about thirty pounds of powder into the water.

Promoters of the March 17 festival say the neon green dye has been proven safe for use as an ingredient in drugs and cosmetics for humans, and is not toxic to mammals or fish. But Broward officials said this week that they are concerned about protecting the endangered West Indian manatee and preserving the unique environment in South Florida.

Festival organizers submitted additional scientific information about the dye to Broward County Thursday in hopes that regulators will change their mind.

No rats exposed to the Xanthene dye over several hours died, according to the information provided by the dye distributor.

"Since the chemical is safe for rats and rabbits, it would also be safe for manatees," wrote Chuck Malkus, a spokesman for several restaurants organizing the event at Las Olas Riverfront.

County Mayor Kristin Jacobs, who declared 2005 the Year of the Environment, shared regulators' concerns. She has said that if organizers believe the dye is safe, they should drink it and turn green.