|
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), as the non-Federal sponsor for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), is conducting a Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lake Okeechobee Component A Reservoir (LOCAR). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District and the SFWMD are hosting two National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Scoping Meetings to discuss the study and receive public input. To maximize participation and increase engagement, the same meeting will be held twice at different times. Both meetings will discuss the same subject matter, and the public may attend one or both of the meetings. Through this process, the SFWMD will explore opportunities for aboveground water storage north of Lake Okeechobee. The study area covers a large portion of the Lake Okeechobee Watershed north of Lake Okeechobee and will provide ecological benefits to the lake and the northern estuaries. Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023 The purpose of this proposed reservoir is to store excess water in the northern watersheds and release the excess water at times when it is beneficial for the region. This increased storage capacity will reduce the duration and frequency of both high and low water levels in Lake Okeechobee, which are harmful to Lake Okeechobee’s ecology. With these improvements to Lake Okeechobee levels, the reservoir will also help reduce discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the northern estuaries. For more information please contact Liz Caneja at 561-682-2586 or ecaneja@sfwmd.gov. Learn more about the Lake Okeechobee Component A Storage Reservoir (LOCAR) at SFWMD.gov/LOCAR. |