Specifications

Section 1 Introduction

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

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authorized per Section 601(b)(2)(C)(ii) of WRDA 2000. However, the project has

undergone design refinements due to external issues such as land availability

and dam safety requirements. The PIR will address cost-effectiveness,

engineering feasibility, and potential environmental impacts of the project.

Formulation and evaluation of the alternative plans will be part of the PIR. The

plan formulation optimizes the project’s contributions towards achieving the

goals and purposes of the CERP. This is summarized in Section 5 of this

document.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, is the

nation’s charter for environmental protection. NEPA establishes policy, sets

goals, and provides means for carrying out the policy. Section 102(2) of the Act

contains action-forcing provisions to make sure that Federal agencies act

according to the letter and spirit of the Act, including a provision to prepare a

detailed statement, now called an EIS, on the effects of a proposed Federal

action. The Federal regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of

NEPA were published by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) in the

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508 (43 Federal

USACE Regulation 200-2-2 provides guidance for implementation of the

procedural provisions of NEPA. It supplements CEQ regulations in accordance

with 40 CFR 1507.3 and is intended to be used only in conjunction with the CEQ

regulations. NEPA requires preparation of an EIS for authorization and

construction of major projects.

This study is being presented as an integrated PIR/EIS. Detailed results of the

many independent studies and investigations conducted are attached as

appendices. Interrelated summaries and important observations resulting from

these independent studies and investigations are used and encapsulated

throughout the main body of the report.

1.1.1 Project Authorization

Along with the C&SF Study, the study is authorized by Section 309(l) of the

Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-580) which states:

“(1) CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN FLORIDA. -- The Chief of Engineers shall

review the report of the Chief of Engineers on central and southern Florida,

published as House Document 643; 80th Congress, 2nd Session, and other

pertinent reports, with a view to determining whether modifications to the

existing project are advisable at the present time due to significantly changed

physical, biological, demographic, or economic conditions, with particular

reference to modifying the project or its operation for improving the quality of the