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North of Lake Okeechobee Storage Reservoir (LOCAR) Section 203 Study

On January 10, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-06 (Achieving Even More Now for Florida’s Environment) to further expedite restoration projects and advance the protection of Florida’s natural resources. In the order, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is directed to make every effort to advance Everglades restoration projects to ensure meaningful progress over the next four years, including all Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) storage components within the Lake Okeechobee watershed. The South Florida Water Management District continues its efforts to implement all on-going CERP storage projects like the EAA Reservoir, Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project, Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir, and Indian River Lagoon-South reservoirs.

The SFWMD, as the non-Federal sponsor for the CERP, conducted a Feasibility Study for the North of Lake Okeechobee Storage Reservoir (LOCAR) Section 203 Study under the federal Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, as amended. SFWMD has prepared a technically and policy compliant Feasibility Study and contracted with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to work on the SFWMD’s behalf to provide technical assistance and conduct Federal activities to meet those requirements. USACE coordinated the National Environmental Policy Act portion of the Feasibility Study and the SFWMD prepared the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The Feasibility Study and EIS explored opportunities for aboveground water storage north of Lake Okeechobee with an estimated water storage capacity of 200,000 acre-feet. The study area covered a large portion of the Lake Okeechobee Watershed north of Lake Okeechobee and will provide ecological benefits to the lake and the northern estuaries. The feasibility study and EIS was submitted on February 28, 2024 to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works for consideration by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024.

Final LOCAR Feasibility Study Report

The SFWMD prepared a Final Feasibility Study Report for the North of Lake Okeechobee Storage Reservoir Section 203 Study, also known as the Lake Okeechobee Component A Storage Reservoir (LOCAR) Section 203 Study. The Report can be found at the links below. Concurrently with the LOCAR Section 203 Study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepared an Environmental Impact Statement for the LOCAR Study. The Final Environmental Impact Statement can be found on the USACE's website by visiting Lake Okeechobee Component A Storage Reservoir (LOCAR) (army.mil).

Final LOCAR Feasibility Study Report
Appendix A-Engineering Appendix
Appendix A-Engineering Appendix Annex A and Annex B
Appendix A-Engineering Appendix Annex C and Annex E
Appendix B-Cost Engineering & Risk Analysis
Appendix C.1 & C.2
Appendix C.3-Environmental Compliance Info
Appendix D-Real Estate Plan
Appendix E-Plan Formulation Screening
Appendix F-Recreation Plan
Appendix G-LOCAR Benefit Model
Appendix H-Technical Review Documentation
Annex A-Endangered Species Act Compliance
Annex B.1-Analyses Required by WRDA
Annex B.2-State Compliance Report
Annex C-Draft Project Operating Manual
Annex D-Adaptive Mgt & Monitoring Plans
Annex E-RECOVER Evaluation
Annex F-Invasive Species Mgt Plan
Annex G-Haz, Toxic, Radioactive Waste
Annex H-Climate Change Assessment
Annex I-Phosphorous Loading Model

Project Study Area

LOCAR map

 

Project Purpose

The purpose of this 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 help reduce the likelihood of harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the northern estuaries.

LOCAR Planning Timeline

  • Project Scoping – April 2023
  • Identify Alternatives/Recommended Plan – August 2023
  • Draft Feasibility Study – October 2023
  • Final Feasibility Study – February 2024

Related Documents

Past Engagements and Meetings

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