Specifications

Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
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2.14.5 Caloosahatchee River Basin
Water quality conditions are degraded in the upper and lower areas of the
Caloosahatchee River basin due to agricultural and urban runoff, respectively.
The channelized section of the river also shows degraded water quality
conditions, due to agricultural inputs, as compared to tributaries lying in less
developed areas of the basin. Problems associated with the degraded areas of
the basin are typified by low dissolved oxygen levels, elevated conductivity, and
decreased biodiversity. Conditions in the urbanized sections of the basin are
influenced by non-point stormwater flows, and are manifested in the river by
elevated chlorophyll levels, algal blooms, periodic fish kills, and low dissolved
oxygen levels. Although wastewater discharges remain a problem, the estuary is
presently more seriously affected by high-nutrient waters from the river and
tributaries, and stormwater runoff from cities. Nutrient and chlorophyll levels
are high, and small algal blooms occur regularly.
2.14.6 St. Lucie River Basin
Water quality conditions along the St. Lucie River are rated as good in less
developed areas of the basin. However, conditions are degraded in urbanized
areas and along the extensive network of canals that drain this area. The worst
water quality conditions in the Martin and St. Lucie County area are reported in
the St. Lucie River and the canals leading from the EAA. As described above,
the major sources of pollution in this basin are urban runoff, agriculture,
rangeland runoff, boat discharge, and sewage overflows. Water quality in the
south section of the Indian River Lagoon was rated as fair by a National Estuary
Program technical report (Woodward-Clyde Consultants, 1994).
2.14.7 Water Conservation Areas
The 1996 305(b) report classifies water quality conditions as good in the
northernmost areas of WCA-2 transitioning to a fair condition throughout most
of the remainder of the basin. Poor water quality conditions are shown to exist
along the L-38E Canal. Water quality in WCA-3A are rated as fair north of the
county line, and are rated as good on the south side of the line. The ten-year
trend does not show significant changes have occurred in the basin.
2.15 SOCIOECONOMICS
2.15.1 EAA Socioeconomic Characteristics
The proposed storage reservoir is located in the southern portion of the EAA.
Eleven census tracts are partially located within the EAA, with Tracts 7903 in
Palm Beach County and 0200 in Hendry County being only partially within the
target area (Figure 2-3). Three incorporated population centers are within the