Specifications

Section 1 Introduction
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
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(I) be consistent with the Plan and the programmatic regulations
promulgated under paragraph (3);
(II) describe how each of the requirements stated in paragraph (3)(B)
is satisfied;
(III) comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(IV) identify the appropriate quantity, timing, and distribution of
water dedicated and managed for the natural system;
(V) identify the amount of water to be reserved or allocated for the
natural system necessary to implement, under State law, subclauses
(IV) and (VI);
(VI) comply with applicable water quality standards and applicable
water quality permitting requirements under subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii);
(VII) be based on the best available science; and
(VIII) include an analysis concerning the cost-effectiveness and
engineering feasibility of the project.
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Everglades ecosystem stretches from Orlando through the Kissimmee Chain
of Lakes to Florida Bay. The goals and objectives of the Restudy include:
Enhance Ecologic Values
• Increase the total spatial extent of natural areas
• Improve habitat and functional quality
• Improve native plant and animal species abundance and diversity
Enhance Economic Values and Social Well Being
• Increase availability of fresh water (agricultural/municipal & industrial)
• Reduce flood damages (agricultural/urban)
• Provide recreational and navigation opportunities
• Protect cultural and archeological resources and values
The EAA Storage Reservoirs Project would contribute to the goals and objectives
of the Restudy by:
• Reducing damaging high lake stages in Lake Okeechobee and regulatory
releases to the estuaries, thereby contributing to an increase in species
diversity and productivity within the lake littoral zone and in the
estuaries;
• Reducing in back-pumping of from the EAA into Lake Okeechobee,
thereby contributing to an improvement in water quality in the lake;