Specifications

Section 8 Plan Implementation
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
8-12
Both the FFWCC and the USFWS have been consulted for recommendations on
avoidance of impacts to federally listed and state listed species. Both the
FFWCC and USFWS will be consulted in the event that colonial or solitary
wading bird nests are observed within the construction footprint. In addition,
Florida burrowing owls are known to inhabit ruderal areas, such as canal banks
and road berms, in the vicinity of the project. Eagle, wood stork, and burrowing
owl surveys will be performed prior to the start of construction. If owls are
observed within the EAA Storage Reservoir construction footprint, the FFWCC
will be consulted for management measures and the contractor may be required
to obtain a permit. More information on FFWCC permit requirements and
applications can be found on the web at:
http://wld.fwc.state.fl.us/permits/permits.html
If bald eagle nests are encountered on the project footprint, the USFWS’s
Habitat Management Guidelines for the Bald Eagle in the Southeast Region will
be implemented during construction of the EAA Project.
The USFWS will be notified upon locating a dead, injured, or sick wood stork or
bald eagle before, during, and after construction of the reservoir.
7. For the manatee, the following Standard Protocols will be used during
construction: a) Protocols to Minimize/Avoid Entrapment at structures; b)
Protocols for Existing and New Culverts based on the size of culverts; c) the
Manatee Blasting Protocol when explosives are required; d) Ground Observer
Protocols; as well as the Standard Manatee Construction Conditions. In
addition, intake canals and/or structures will include an aluminum grate from
the bottom of the structure to approximately 1 ft above high water, with 8 inches
of bar spacing, or a similar exclusion feature. The features will be designed for
temporary removal in the event of a water emergency.
If barriers are in place at the Lake Okeechobee structures S-351, S-352, and S-
354, to prevent manatees from entering the EAA, prior to initial construction of
the EAA Project, adverse effects to manatees in the EAA will be minimized, and
observer protocols and barriers at individual structures of the EAA Project will
be unnecessary.
8. The Corps and the SFWMD agree to maintain an open and cooperative
consultation process with the USFWS and FFWCC throughout the design,
construction, and operation of this restoration project.
9. A monitoring program will be established to assess mercury levels and other
contaminants within the water column, including before drying and upon
rehydration of the reservoir. Additional monitoring will be performed at inflow
and outflow points. The monitoring program will also include assessing mercury