Specifications

Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
2-8
2.6.2 Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration plays an important role in the climate of the South Florida
ecosystem and removes between 70% and 90% of the rainfall in undisturbed
South Florida wetlands (Duever, et. al., 1994). Evaporation from open water
surfaces peaks annually in the late spring when temperatures and wind speeds
are high and relative humidity is low. Evaporation is lowest during the winter
when the temperatures and wind speeds are low (Duever, et. al., 1994).
2.7 AIR QUALITY
USEPA and FDEP have established ambient air quality standards for the State
of Florida regarding six pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter 10 microns or less in diameter
(PM10), particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5), and sulfur
dioxide (SO2). These adopted standards are shown in Appendix C (Table C-25).
According to the 2001 Air Monitor report prepared by FDEP, air quality
parameters measured generally are all well within both National primary,
secondary, and Florida Standards on average. Only the eight-hour ozone
concentrations exceeded the Florida Standard, but met the National Standard.
2.8 NOISE
Noise in the EAA is not considered a problem because of its rural nature and
distances between noise-generating activities. Rural areas have noise levels
between 34-55 decibels and may approach 70 decibels along roads and near some
agricultural operations. Urban areas are generally about 60 decibels, but may
reach 90 decibels or greater in high-activity areas.
2.9 VEGETATION AND COVER TYPES
Within the vegetation and wildlife sections of this report, documentation of
resources is segregated by geographic area. Somewhat greater detail is provided
for the EAA to allow evaluation of the alternatives. Three other areas affected
by this project include: 1) within Lake Okeechobee or the basin; 2) the Northern
Estuaries Area (St. Lucie Estuary and Caloosahatchee River Estuary); and, 3)
Water Conservation Areas (WCAs).
Common names are used throughout the text, where possible. A list of common
vegetation can be found in Appendix C.