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Res No 035-15-14374
RESOLUTION NO.035-15-14374 A Resolution of the City of South Miami accepting and endorsing the "Caloosahatchee Watershed-Regional Water Management Issues"Report dated December 16,2014,which sets forth short term and long term strategic planning goalsto address water storage and treatment within Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee Watersheds. WHEREAS,our community sharesthe concerns of thefive municipalities within LeeCounty, thecommoninterestsandconcernswithrespecttowaterqualitywithintheKissimmee,Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee watersheds;and WHEREAS,a document titled "Caloosahatchee Watershed -Regional Water Management Issues"has been developed and prepared to concisely set forth a comprehensive strategy to address water storage and treatment within the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee watersheds,as well asto identify landand infrastructure needed to convey excess water south into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay where itis needed;and WHEREAS,our community generally agrees uponthe comprehensive goals and strategies to address the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee water resource issues;and WHEREAS,the water quality within the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee watersheds hasa direct impact onthe quantity andquality of the water inSouthMiami. NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA: Section 1.TheCity of SouthMiamiherebyacceptsandendorsesthereportonthe "Caloosahatchee Watershed -RegionalWater Management Issues"dated December 16,2014,whichis intendedtoberevisedandupdatedperiodicallytoaddresscurrentbestpracticesandapproacheswith respect to water quality and water resource protection. Section 2.TheCity of SouthMiamiencouragesallgoverningbodies throughout theState of Floridatoalsoacceptandendorsethereportonthe"CaloosahatcheeWatershed-RegionalWater ManagementIssues"inordertoencouragegeneralagreementoncollectiveandcomprehensive approaches tothe Kissimmee,Lake Ockeechobee and Caloosahatchee watershed resource issues that are of paramountimportancetonotonlytheresidentandvisitorstoLeeCountyandSouthwestFloridabut alsoto Miami-Dade County. Section 3.Effective Date.Thisresolutionshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponadoptionby vote of the City Commission. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3^day of March,2015. ATTEST: _/O /I J APPROVED: MAYOR COMMISSION VOTE: Mayor Stoddard: Vice Mayor Harris: Commissioner Edmond: Commissioner Liebman: Commissioner Welsh: 5-0 Yea Yea Yea Yea Yea Caloosahatchee Watershed —Regional Watjer Management Issues Storage &Treatment Progress Summary November 18,2014 Introduction The coastal communities ofLee County were devastated by the freshwater discharges fromLake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee watershed during the summer of 2013.For more than four months a dark-colored freshwater plume blanketed Lee County's beaches.This event impacted the ecology of our waters,the quality of life of our citizens,area businesses,and it continues to have a lasting effect on our local economy.These discharges occurred as a direct result of inadequate water storage within the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee,and Caloosahatchee watersheds and the ability to convey water south into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. Flood control projects,channelization,and other land use changes that,have occurred throughout Central and South Florida over the past century have resulted ina water management system that is very different fromits original state.The system that we have today delivers water to the coast very quickly, with little to no water treatment.This has resulted in the Caloosahatchee estuary receiving too much water during the wet season and not enough during the dry season.The water that we do receive-is laden with excessive nutrients that can stimulate harmful algal blooms. What is at Stake? In Lee County,tourism generates more than $2.7billion annually.Real estate tax revenue inLee County is more than $293million annually.A recent pollby the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau indicated that 94%of allvisitors to Lee County identified our beaches asourmost attractive qpset.Local water quality can have a tremendous influence on consumer confidence and can greatly impact tourism and our local economy.In addition to impacts on our local economy,too much or too little freshwater delivered to the cogst can effect critical estuarine resources such as seagrasses,oysters and fishes.The combined impacts on the local economy and the ecology ofour waters can greatly influence the quality of lifeofLee County residents. llPage LastRevised11/18/14 „. ATTACHMENT MA" What Is needed to address the Problem? A comprehensive strategy is needed to address water storage and treatment within the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee,and Caloosahatchee watersheds.In addition,land and infrastructure are needed to convey excess water south into Everglades National Park and FloridaBay where itis needed. What are Lee County and the five municipalities df Lee County dofng to address the problem? Lee County and the five municipalities of Lee County are working together to address the Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee water resource issues. Recognizing that the problem originates in the Kissimmee watershed,just south of Orlando,and includes Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee watersheds, the County and municipalities are working with federal and state agencies responsible for water management and are working in their local watersheds to advocate for and'implement projects that will address the problem.Collectively, the County and municipalities have developed alist of short-term,low-cost strategies,as well as a longer-term listof state and federal priorities to address water storage and treatment throughout the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee,and Caloosahatchee watersheds.The goal is to improve the quantity,quality,timing and distribution of water to the coast of Lee County and restore historic flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. Short-term,Low-Cost Strategies tor Water Storage I.Revisit the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS 2008)risk assessment to determine ifthere are any opportunities to provide more storage to reduce discharges tothe estuaries intight of recent improvements in the Herbert Hoover Dike.Evaluate theLake Okeechobee Minimum Flow and Level (MFL)to determine ifLake levels can be maintained lower to increase storage capacity without ecological impacts.Reevaluate how flowstothe Caloosahatchee are measured under the LORS 2008 schedule (S-77 instead of S-79 in higher bands)to make regulatory releases more equitable. a.On September 17,2013,the Lee County municipalities sent ajoint letter to Governor Scott and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD]requesting support for the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)to reevaluate the risk assessment for the Lake 2|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 Okeechobee Regulation Schedule,LORS 2008.On July 8,2014,the Southwest Florida Community Foundation sent a letter on behalf of 24 individuals representing several local governments and organizations toAssistant Secretary of the Army,Jo-Ellen Darcy, requesting that the Corps accelerate the risk assessment for the Herbert Hoover Dike.Over the past year,the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers has been working on the Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Project and Dam Safety Modification Study.As part of that study,the Corps will be assessing progress to date on the Herbert Hoover Dike and will evaluate the risk assessment for LORS 2008 inlight of progress made on dike repairs to date.The report is scheduled to be completed in March 2015. Maximize flows through the Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs)and Water Conservation Areas (WCAs)to the fullest extent possible to convey water southduring the wet season to reduce high-flow impacts to the coastal estuaries. a.During the 2013 wet season,approximately 72,000 acre-feet of water was released to the WCAs through the STAs.During the 2014 wet season,approximately 216,000 acre-feet of water was released to the WCAs through the STAs.The increase in the volume of water conveyed south in 2014 was the result of:1.)continued legislative funding for increased pumping and maintenance;2.) additional capacity due to differences in regional rainfall;3.) increased capacity in STA-1 East,STA-1 West and STA-3/4;4.) suitable conditions and canal levels within the Everglades Agricultural Area;and 5.}improved coordination between the SFWMD and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers. b.One of the major challenges to moving water south in the short- term is the lack of storage,treatment,and conveyance infrastructure south of Lake Okeechobee.Projects like Modified. Water Deliveries (MOD Waters),the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP),and the structural improvements along the Tamiami Trail are needed in order to increase the capacity and eliminate impacts to tribal and agricultural lands south of the Lake.*ltis important to note that these are long-term projects,not short-term low-cost strategies. 3|Page last Revised 11/18/14 c.Another option to addressing high-flow impacts to the estuaries is to seek emergency temporary deviations from federal and state water qualitycriteria and restrictions that limit discharges south into Everglades National Park during extreme wet conditions and events.This engages a "shared adversity"doctrine that does not pit one ecosystem against another. 3.Maximize storage on all private lands currently under contract with the SFWMD forthe dispersed water management program.Investigate the potential for additional projects based on cost/benefit analysis(e.g.,Alico Corporation 75,000 acres in eastern Caloosahatchee basin).Explore additional economic incentives for water storage on private lands within the Caloosahatchee basin. a.Over the past year a significant volume of additional dispersed water storage has become available.As of October 11,2014,the SFWMD was reporting 86,257 acre-feet (annual average)of dispersed storage being utilized.The Nicodemus Slough dispersed water management project has been constructed,is being tested, and is expected to be fully operational by next rainy season.This project is estimated to store an additional 34,000 acre-feet of water within the Caloosahatchee watershed and will reduce wet season flows to the Caloosahatchee.TheSFWMDis continuing to explore other dispersed water storage projects,including a proposal from Alico Corporation to store additional water within the Caloosahatchee basin.In order forthis program to be viable and compete with regional storage facilities,these projects must be cost-effective and their performance verified.An overall analysis needs to be completed to verify effectiveness,along with a plan to meet a designated amount of managed storage to provide the desired outcome. 4.Utilize emergency storage onallpublic lands withintheKissimmee,Lake Okeechobee,St Lucie and Caloosahatchee basins.Secure permits and/or authorizations now in preparation for the spring recession inLake Okeechobee and free up storage capacity for wet season.TheC-43West Reservoir/Berry Groves siteisa good example of where there are opportunities for water storage on public lands.These sites should be utilizedpriorto exceeding thehighflow ecological targets in the Caloosahatchee (>2,800 cfs 30-day moving average). 4|Page LastRevised 11/18/14 a.During the 2014 wet season,the SFWMD utilized publicly owned pre-project lands and other District-owned lands for emergency water storage throughout the water management system.SFWMD emergency storage efforts for2014 included 9,169 acre-feet on pre-project lands and the useof approximately 148,771 acres of natural lands for water temporary water storage.This estimate includes a portion of the C-43 West Basin Reservoir Project lands. The SFWMD secured permits and authorization to utilize the site for temporary storage prior to the 2014 wet season.The west coast stakeholders were persistent in requesting that all permits and authorizations were in place prior to this year's rainy season. 5.Provide adaptive flexibilityfor water level management in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes regulation schedules to allow more water storage by holding lake levels higher earlier than November for the benefit of water supply,water quality,and wildlife habitat. a.To date there has not been any substantive progress on this issue. The Corps continues to manage water levels within the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes at their current schedules and no deviations from these schedules have occurred over the past year.However, throughout the 2014 rainy season the Corps has maintained levels within the Chain of Lakes close to the top of their specified schedules.This has marginally helped reduced the rate at which water flows into Lake Okeechobee. 6.Reassess the Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee to ensure that the Caloosahatchee receives ecologically beneficial flowsto meet established salinity targets during the dry season when other water users are not experiencing water shortage cutbacks and no other ecosystems are being harmed. a.On March 3,2014,the Lee County municipalities sent ajoint letter to the SFWMD requesting that the Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee be reassessed to ensure that water flows to the Caloosahatchee are not reduced or eliminated when the needs of- all other water users are being met.On June 18,2014,the municipalities of Lee County sent a similar letter to the SFWMD regarding Adaptive Protocols highlighting that there are inherent flaws in the Protocols that reduce flows to the Caloosahatchee when there is no risk of water shortage and no other water users 5|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 are being cut back.InJuly2014,the SFWMD Governing Board approved a staff recommendation to evaluate whether or not there were opportunities for additional operational flexibility within the Adaptive Protocols in the middle and upper bands of the Lake Regulation Schedule.SFWMD staff is currently evaluating the data to determine if operational changes can provide additional water forall water users.This exercise could identify additional water in the middle and upper bands of the LORS to supplement dry season flows to the Caloosahatchee.Lee County is a participant on the technical team that is investigating additional storage options in the middle and upper bands. 7.Settle the Lykes Brothers Basinger Grove dike/floodplain storage issue between the SFWMD and USACE,which is preventing 70%of the KissimmeeRiverrestoration storage and treatment benefits forwork already completed. a.This issue has been resolved.Additional storage is now available within the KissimmeeRiver floodplain as a result ofthis agreement. This should provide,additional storage and treatment benefits to the Caloosahatchee.Total storage and treatment numbers are forthcoming. Federal Priorities 1.Fully support the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA)bill,which includes authorization for the Caloosahatchee C-43 WestBasinReservoirProject;and appropriate the necessary fundsto implement the C-43 Reservoir Project.The reservoir will provide 170,000 acre-feet of storage within the Caloosahatchee basin and help address high and lowflowissues. a.The WRRDA bill was signed into law by President Obama on June 10,2014,The bill authorizes several important Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP)projects,including the C-43 West Basin Reservoir,the C-lll Spreader Canal,Broward County Water Preserve Area,and the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands projects.The next step isfor Congress to appropriate the funds needed to construct the various projects in WRRDA,This will require 6|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 a great deal ofwork to ensure that our legislators hear fromus and understand the importance of funding the C-43 Reservoir Project. This year the Florida legislature appropriated $18 millionto help fund the C-43 Reservoir Project.If is estimated that we will need $300 millionin federal appropriations to match state funds to complete the project.According to the South Florida Water Management District work on the project is scheduled to begin in winter 2015.Lee County and several of the municipalities passed resolutions urging congress to pass WRRDA.Representatives from Lee County and its municipalities traveled to Washington D.C.to advocate forWRRDA and to promote projects that would create additional water storage and treatment. 2.Obtain federal authorization and funding for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP).The project will move approximately 210,000 acre-feet of water south of Lake Okeechobee and will address some of the damaging flowstotheSt.Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries. a.The Corps'Project Implementation Report (PIR)was not completed in time for the project to be included in the 2014 WRRDAbill. However,the report was later approved by the Army Corps Civil Works Review Board and the public comment period for the Final PIR ended on October 3,2014.CEPP continues to be one of the region's top priorities.We are hopeful that this project will be authorized in the next WRRDAbill or sooner.On September 16, 2014,Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Patrick Murphy sponsored abill to authorize the Central Everglades Planning Project.This bipartisan billis supported by Senator Rubio and other members of the Florida delegation.Full support of the Florida delegation will be critical forthis bill to get traction. 3.The Federal Government heeds to fund their share of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)and implement the projects agreed to intheplan.Amajority of thelands needed forthe projects have already been purchased by the State and need Federal funding to move forward with the projects. a.Through authorization of WRRDA,the Federal government will have the opportunity to appropriate funds for several very important CERP projects,including the C-43 West Basin Reservoir.We need to 7|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 keep pressure on our Federal legislative delegation to ensure that funds are appropriated forourpriority projects. 4.Continueto keep pressure onthe U.S.Army CorpsofEngineersto move as quickly aspossibletorehabilitatethe Herbert Hoover Dike.The project will protectthecommunitiesaround Lake Okeechobee and possibly provide additional storage in the lake to reduce peak flowsto the estuaries. a.On September 17,2013,the Lee County municipalities sent ajoint •letter to Governor Scott and the SFWMD requesting support for the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers to reevaluate the risk assessment for the Lake Okeechobee Regulations Schedule,LORS 2008.OnJuly 8, 2014,the Southwest Florida Community Foundation sent a letter on behalf of24 individuals representing several local governments and organizations toAssistant Secretary of the Army,Jo-EllenDarcy, requesting that the USACE accelerate the risk assessment for the Herbert Hoover Dike.Over the past year,the USACE has been working on the Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Project and Dam Safety Modification Study.As part ofthis study,the Corps will be assessing progress to date on the Herbert Hoover Dike and will evaluate the risk assessment for LORS 2008inlightof progress on dike repairs.The report is scheduled to be completed in March 2015.Itis hopeful that the assessment will determine that improvements made to date have reduced the risk of dam failure to the point where the current cap on lake elevation can be raised,thereby providing more available storage.Itis not our desire to maintain the lake at higher elevations but onlyto expand the operating range.Lowering of the lake for the benefit of its ecosystem can continue but at a rate that is less harmful to the estuaries. State Priorities ?.Construct the first Cell of the C-43 West Basin Reservoir Project As currently planned,the C-43 Reservoir will store upto 170,000 acre-feet of basin storm water and overflow from Lake Okeechobee.The C-43 Reservoir is expected to supply enough water to meet the existingMinimumFlow and Level for the Caloosahatchee River80%of the time.The project with an estimated cost of more than $600 million,was designed with two large 8|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 cells,asingle 1500 cfs pump station and anumber of gated overflow and discharge structures.Under CERP,theStateof Florida and South Florida Water Management District areresponsiblefor 50%ofthetotal project costs.Historically,the State has generally satisfied their cost share through land acquisition.In this case,however,most of the land was purchased using federal dollars.Asa result,the State will be responsible for paying for at least 50%of the construction costs.The first cell is expected to provide approximately 85,000 acre-feet of storage and is estimated to cost approximately $300 million. In addition to the land needed to construct the reservoir,there is an additional 1500 acres of land on the site that was purchased as part of the Berry Groves acquisition.This land should be used to construct a stormwater treatment area (STA)adjacent to the reservoir to treat water before itis discharged into the Caloosahatchee. a.The State appropriated $18millionfor moving forward with an interim project for the C-43 reservoir site.Workis scheduled to begin in winter 2015.The SFWMDis evaluating options for cell one construction on the site.Additional funds will be needed from the Legislature in 2015 to move forward with construction of the first cell. b.As part of the Caloosahatchee Visioning process,the water quality treatment component for the C-43 Reservoir (STA)has been one of the top-ranked priorities (to date)for the stakeholders participating in the process.This project could get momentum if there is continued support from the stakeholders. Construct the C-43 Water Quality Treatment and Demonstration Project (BOMA Property).The objective of this project isto demonstrate and implement cost effective wetland-based strategies for reducing Total Nitrogen (TN)load,and other constituents including Total Phosphorus (TP) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS),to the Caloosahatchee River and its downstream estuarine ecosystems.This isa multi-phased project involving bioassays,mesocosms,test cells,and field-scale cells to test optimize,and demonstrate effectiveness of wetland-based technology,ultimately leading to implementation of afull-sized treatment facility. a.In late 2012,a conceptual design fora testing facility was completed.Full engineering design and permitting ofthe testing 91 Page LastRevised 11/18/14 facility is contingent upon funding.The SFWMD will be performing the bioassays and mesocosms studyin2015 and 2016. MoveforwardwiththeLake Hicpochee Restoration Project Fundsare needed to complete planning and construction on north and south sides of Lake Hicpochee to increase storage and treatment Estimated cost for planning and construction is$20-30 million.Project will resultin increased water storage and treatment within the Caloosahatchee basin. a.Northern Lake Hicpochee restoration isin progress.5,300 acres of land are already in State ownership and the SFWMD acquired an additional 640 acres north of Lake Hicpochee to be used for shallow storage-The project will provide shallow water storage of approximately 1,917 acre-feet.The State has an option to purchase an additional 2,454 acres of land to expand the project. Acquisition of this land would greatly enhance storage and treatment opportunities forthis project.The Lake Hicpochee South Project is currently ina holding pattern.According to the SFWMD, cost/benefit data from the project on the south side of Lake Hicpochee suggest that,as designed,the project is not cost- effective.A redesign of the project may be necessary to make this project more feasible. Purchase additional lands south of Lake Okeechobee at fair market value,acquire private easements,or swap existing State-owned lands for the critical lands needed to facilitate storage,treatment and conveyance of water south into Everglades National Park.The State currently owns 26,790 acres of land that was purchased for $197,396,088 ($7,400/acre)from U.S.Sugar Corporation as part of the Reviving the River of GrassProject,with an option to purchase an additional 153,209 acres. The State should acquire the critical lands needed to store,treat and convey water south through purchase fromwillingsellers,acquisition of private easements,or by swapping for existing non-essential State-owned lands to acquire the footprint needed to effectively store,treat and convey water souththroughthe Everglades AgriculturalArea. a.Under the State's contract with U.S.Sugar Corporation the ''Initial Non-Exclusive Option",which includes approximately 46,800 acres of land,expires in October 2015.The "Entire Option Property Non- Exclusive Option",which includes 153,209 acres,or the balance of 10|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 that if the Initial Non-Exclusive Option is exercised,will expire in October 2020. b.The Universityof Florida has been contracted to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of moving water south through the EAA to Everglades National Park.This study is scheduled to be completed in March 2015. a The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP)will provide the initial infrastructure for conveying water south.A phased approach, building on the CEPP project,would be an alternative to a Plan 6 flowway concept and would further the goal of increasing flows south,reducing the harmful high-flow discharges to the estuaries. 5.Increase distributed storage in Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee,and Caloosahatchee basins.Additional funds are needed for the State to partner with large land owners in the Kissimmee,Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee basins to store more water on the land so that itis not discharged toLake Okeechobee orto the Caloosahatchee River. Investigate the potential for additional projects based on cost/benefit analysis. a.Over the past year,a significant volume of additional dispersed water storage has become available.As of October 11,2014,the SFWMD was reporting 86,257 acre-feet (annual average)of disbursed storage being utilized.TheDistrictis continuing to explore other dispersed water storage projects.In order forthis program to be viable and compete with regional storage facilities,these projects must be cost-effective and their performance must be verified.An overall analysis needs to be completed to verify effectiveness,along witha plan to meet a certain volume of managed storage to provide the desired outcome. 6.Implement projects and programs funded under State legislative appropriationsforthe Caloosahatchee basinincludingthe following: a.Establish new monitoring sites to assess environmental impacts to the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary.An objective of the Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin (IRLOB)funding was to identify scientifically based solutions to improve the water quality and quantity in the St.LucieEstuary, Indian River Lagoon,and Caloosahatchee River and estuary. ll|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 Information generated through the monitoring and research efforts will help support potential changes in the design and operation of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries system.To achieve this,Lee County in partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)MarineLaboratory is seekingfundingto deploy two new RECON/LOBO sensorsin the Caloosahatchee estuary; upgrade the original nitrogen and phosphorus sensors with current technology on three existing LOBO units and cost share 8flow monitoring stations with the USGS.This suiteof projects will provide documentation and enable us to better inform and focus local and state TMDL and BMAP assessments.Total cost for the additional monitoring is estimated at $615,260. b.Begin oyster and seagrass restoration within the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary.TheNorthernEstuaries Resource Recovery pilot program was designed to re-establish vital estuarine habitats of shellfish and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)beds within the Northern Estuaries;St.Lucie/lndian River Lagoon and Caloosahatchee Estuary.The Senate Select Committee recommended,and the Legislature approved,appropriating $500,000 for each estuary to support the program,fora total of$1 million.The intent ofthis program is to replace critical ecosystem components such as oyster reefs and SAV that were lostby the high volume 2013 discharges to the northern estuaries.Tasks2 and 4 seek to replace (restore)habitats damaged beyond repair toa pre-2013 level.Tasks3 and 5 of this program seek to build resiliency by providing a source of healthy reefs and SAVfor future restoration projects. Other Regional Progress J.Caloosahatchee Visioning Program/Community Forum Update.Progress towards developing a regionally-supported list of restoration projects within the Caloosahatchee basin. a.The SFWMD is sponsoring a program referred to originally as the Caloosahatchee Visioning Process,which was aimed at identifying a restoration "vision"for the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary.The process began with a series of stakeholder interviews.The goal of 12|Page LastRevised 11/18/14 these interviews was to collect information from local stakeholders on what they thought were the restoration priorities forthe Caloosahatchee and the process that should be followed to implement restoration.Following the interviewsa science-based Caloosahatchee Ecological Indicators workshop was convened.This workshopwas organized by the SFWMD and the Consensus Building Institute (CBI),under contract with the SFWMD for the Caloosahatchee Visioning Program.The purpose of the Indicators Workshop was for scientists and resource managers to discuss past,present and future ecological indicator species that may help to guide restoration of the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary.Afinal report of the proceedings was submitted to the SFWMD by the FloridaGulf Coast University Watershed Institute.The Caloosahatchee Visioning Program has now morphed into an interagency group made upof state and local agencies,utilities,and other effected parties that have been tasked with developing consensus on a list ofpriority projects to address water storage and water qualitywithin the Caloosahatchee basin.The SFWMD and CBI held the first of several Caloosahatchee Community Forums on August 8,2014 to bring in other local stakeholders to get input on priority projects.The community forum and the interagency working group have been directed to focus specifically on restoration projects.Discussionof policy-related issuesof how the Caloosahatchee is managed has been precluded. b.The interagency team has developed a preliminary list of Caloosahatchee River Watershed Priority Projects.Twolists of projects were created,a Regional Project list and a Local Project list.The Regional Project list includes large-scale projects that are perceived to provide regional benefits.The local project list includes projects that will have more localized benefits,but cumulatively will benefit water storage and treatment within the Caloosahatchee watershed.See attached lists at bottom for details. 2.Lee County Tidal Caloosahatchee TotalMaximumDaily Load (TMDL)and Basin Management Plan (BMAPj Compliance a.Lee County and other stakeholders (Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT),CityofFt Myers,Cape Coral,East County Water Control District (ECWCD),Lucaya CCD,Charlotte County)are required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)to reduce total nitrogen levels (TN)in the Caloosahatchee estuary by 13|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 140,853 Ibs/yr for the first five-yearBasin Management ActionPlan (BMAP).LeeCounty'sConservation2020'landsbuying program has a total of 12,313 acres within the Caloosahatchee River watershed.Lee Countyin partnership with other local government agencies has constructed water quality treatment amenities on conservation lands. TheConservation 2020 water quality projects account for 22,152 Ibs/yr (16%)TN pollution reduction credit.Lee County receives 2,222 Ibs/yr TN reduction credit for structural stormwater and hydrologic restoration projects not associated with conservation lands and 196 Ibs/yr TN reduction credit for street sweeping within the Caloosahatchee River watershed. TheLee County Division ofNatural Resources (LCDNR)in partnership with the University ofFloridaInstituteof Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)Extension Services has implemented public education programs for do-it-yourself landscapes as well as the professional landscape community to prevent vegetative waste and fertilizer runoff pollution.Under our National Pollution Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES)permit LCDNR provides public education and regulatory enforcement for development-related activities withinLee County. Lee County receives 20,445Ibs/yr (15%)total nitrogen reduction credit toward the BMAP obligations for public education programs and existing fertilizer ordinance. 14|Page Last Revised 11/18/14 DRAFT (10/20/14) Watershed Projects List Informationcontainedintheattachedtables(oneforregionalprojects,theotherforlocal projects)reflectsprojectdatadevelopedforthe 2012 updateofthe Caloosahatchee River WatershedProtectionPlanandinfonnationprovidedbylocalgovernments.Theinformationhas beenupdatedtoreflectprojectstatusasofsummer2014,Ithasalsobeenupdatedto include resultsfrom implementers*individualassessmentsofeach project's relativeimportance. ProjectPhase hasbeencategorizedas:Near-termtoreflectprojectsanticipatedtobecompleted withinthenext5years,Long-termtoreflectprojectsthatareanticipatedtobecompletedin5 yearsorlonger,andOngoingtoreflectactivitiesthatareanticipatedtospanbothnear-andlong- term. Category Projectswhicharelocatedinorwillaffectmorethanonecountyhavebeencategorized asRegional.TheremainingprojectsarecategorizedasLocal- Agencyreflectstheprincipleagency(s)responsible fortheimplementationof theproject. Estimate Cost reflects the mostcurrentestimateprovidedbytheagencyandreflectsthecosts needed to complete the project. Funded-designates if thereisadequatefundingcurrentlyinbudgettocompleteprojectthrough construction.A "Partial"designation is given where a portion or phase of project hasbeen completedorfunded. 15 t Page Last Revised 11/18/14 ^•r-.'ci-ivri:^,:-. i •.:.!!:.;_;•.-i,iJ.;.lvr it'i'-!:,:'i,v •r'--::•:)•;•:••!-• ^.fry^vK&fjfci:... Pro)ect/Activity C*43 West Basin Storage" Reservoir Project '"'"''""" CM3.WaterQuality Treatment ..' and Demonstration :V Project w-./.£x (BOMA Property)i:-^w\ Lake Hicpochee North:.. Babcock Ranch Preserver Water-Storage Project.' SR 29 Improvements :fr:i?u•w^fiPn:•t••i•,i'•••• •^-^SBMrtR^fev--Iff!©!^^$?^:Project Status; *&SJ|^-'"' .i'v:Phase-.Category/; Agency;'; fetlmated: VQif(4:79..000:ac-fti. StHistWlllcoi^ £.r^benefits fnci.Mding flood.con,ifo|^.. ^•i^v^:'^;^..'ln"AJprti;2bi.l;'a:Kecord of Decision .was;§&e£t^ 'an"appfovetf Project Implementation Report was"^bmitted,^tfer^.v -U;S;JCpngressj:Project was authorized in June'^14;^!:-^:'^^^ recreatiani habitat enhancement and water recharge. The prpjej^ll|&^^ •'wiir'haVeftMg^ ^ ,The :.cHaBrjeil2atk)n^.f;tfie"<?aro(Rive&rvthe 1600'sdraihed.:._ ^^^pill^^ij^jl^^s^parts',north arid south.THe'i^:.;; 6b}et1We^.A]s"^jfpJTCt isjtaerdakhce the hydrpIpQy:;jotL:aKe HIcppcHSFk'.^ !^Nortb^tr^rl^laryibehefl^io quality;^.., lmprovements;:Phas.e Iinvolves;construction ofa;sf!ajfcyv stpragfe-rjjkif® constituent^.fnclu^lf^^srtd ^5"^^ •^dc^^eam :esj^^e;:|^y^^i':TOd'uc^§d)ss6lved^rgar^(D6^)j&^j^constitii^^e^nost,-^ ^biatidar)tartdT6c^i:cii&Srit^this •^lajnuitf^hased.prpie^^bioass^y.s,:rriesocdsmsr:Jtest^celfe:;•-.-• ^££i?;i£^^^4&'Gen^^iei^^0timlze,and;demoristrate wetiaHKi'-t^ased:,y-?Seffec.tiy^s^:"||^^^jo |mp!ementa^oh ofa ftiil': j:^np|e^^p^p^i^^Florida Systems.•%i-;-\» ^feature,oh^^^appfp^{^ately.640.acres.of.land and coris&iiction'of a? ^spreader cariafioi'delver "water"to'Lake'JHicpochee North.,:P.haseJ.1 ^iie .Involves-the acquisition of an addit(dnaJt-:2;4|S4 ^^4<^^^f\iM^ equalization basin. Project is habitatenl expected :k[p:[;p^ iharTOpSe^Mn^^'"'.v~t.-.^.-.......:•£ .;^roj^t^urpose is;.tb^edu^^stormy/a^^^^^the TJalbblah§tchee ;Riv#6ri^inating":'r?om^^watersh|dl!pcated in.the:squthwestpprtipji^>^^.Bp Preserve;The;gfible«^lij:prjpyide:sllal [bv^^yr;stora§e^v^P^^ng:eMstiryg:j^rnis.;:; :l^E^^i^^^cJriili9/f%iBW.-faMBrii9is^nl!$G^m|^r^existing.water control stfuctM^^, '::iristel!lng^ew^water"cdtitrd^tocture^rfgwJz:'**....•".T.•fff;^M"-" -•J?rpje^ii's:'e"xjpe:cted tbp^vicS.niiuitiple benefits including fl'e§4f^Spiji||^ :•nabitat enhartterheni and Wa^wcMrgel^pp^Sif/1"'•Wr'$yWW'r'''*'' •^!^;-^;-•AddiiloliapiSr^ater.^to.be incbrpbfateti intQ-Sfez^Sr::»?6acl; "Impfove'm'eTiis'tecaied"'b^We^ .-;inL|ale 2012,a conceptual;design for a:testing facility^was completed. .Pull engineering-design a.ndpe:^]^;':.:•;.. ^contingent upon funding.Thei.'D^tn^^jf^ 1bibassays.and mesc^sn^!^.^'in:^j5iah|dpw ' r;';:;^*:j-b"rf-ff:--'.'-iy;^:;;^''.!7*-* '^M^a^V^ '.:Desjo^actiyjties^are bngoing and construction is; ischedure^.:tb*^in^ Phase II requires lainif acquisition.arid.the..design and construction of -the-FEB.--.•'.•'•.^\^:^y:^^^^r^^''-u:'-•':"' ^fSSi:!!-•.-••:•:•:.•i....:..:•••'\•':."-..•;.'..•.-'... ~r?"tf>tA~F;f}'",v'•'• 'V^'-"-.I','.-.•:-W.^-"f:-'-.r-'.'.'1 .•.•-.•^r'.:..f-l-C--\irr.-^-.-:.• •Desigh,.tq beconducted in FY.t4/15;fuhdec-:by DAbsrCon^tructidn;,. funding :wlll:be required In '|^5£i^M"v^:^^/:v.--:v •''r-'^'^.f L^j'll'^fj^^Fi^i'fiir-':.^;•'•::'~r:'!!.'J:..:'.:!~.'"-,'^vJ Project'in design.Construction anticipated within next 5 years,: ^ppT/ls^ilingj^:other entities for prbjecr''^'"''. ie^ancbhie'nts.•"\-::::!:^T!."1^'^fc-.^;:i^f->'f-•••'.•'•'•••-."•:-;..; ~^~ ;.;s:./^^S^i ..."•••>^^Y^^:•^^j^S^^"^^rtlliS^f^-.Li '>^^r^.Tr:iv;.i: :;:;Reglon^|p ••..•Phase;.}-.i:JV!:Hliofig-term- ••^\J;\i-:7i;!tf!Hii,';-;:il: Long-term ,:^.:.-ti-JiTi^.v:;v Short-term (Phase!) Near-term.. ..£,>State _, .Regional., SFWMD.V: iee Coiihty:? Regional .,SWWD.jj;i: Regional-;r4 TBO :'Ss.tpD.oda :•......const)j . Phase i $17,200,000 :;:.;.(fundedK • (^phase lf:= |iti|ieoabbq:: i^:i.:jtacq:)-:-:" •;-::5i1,2pO;OOp. (des.& •2cprjs!t:j;::"^ ;".;:Regional NeaMerm]; 11 VSoR-'":rt^i: :»K?>-8:^'. Vpurided? ^Partial S1 am .Pending :$t:5m Grant •.•FbEP'*• Partial. .;.i'"T ^Mfe-:'--J^il jl .-4-'' '."-.':..LTit!:'-.ffa-J.'r'-i; II :.SK^..G|; IP Ms •..3.-. ;"75!-! i P«&-. ISA |$f»;;^' t-1 =S.5«•\&3.:''§».,:!N ^t>l:©$0^•S *r"-iS-?•!-.!:miJi:i§iif •&"Ss:-.-om'. &$* ,Z'i>n': ££&•' m p..-: i^^:=; iftS .5?-h"!%• 1* 1 S ••>?-.wit::•<:#t ^5 ••*0 •:•:•: •2-— ^r>-*.-r^xi ^>---r*Mi:^" ?.«:•••3 >>^.'o & <N-«-^ ^-Hi*- •S-:r-^i:;:-.--i;rx.==•• !:3r T"! ::i.^: If:. !«-2-,/:j::ig>i. J^i:.-' s??fr-i-•^o -E §o. Wit :4^«:i Sil til:^!f'••••.¥ .J5S1 MkM; iiffllMf i-Ms g s.Sf --.a g &«/)«£||8-t5 2 pllll =5 oi-i *.Ek ti igO a: •.•r:"i,ST.'V'J-••- •!:«•••= ^Tj* &$.fc: •I p .-•{Ax =•;'• :•••C--•;•:••:.• '•.r>:iS ^i-: >fs:: ^Jgj3fc& -:-r:..0!i .1^^ :S.S«B-i5.^: ':V<5.o,^Z?i.'.o"g, '••" .O'o^^""..v.- 11* villi1'[§eMv "^M&':&i&* •Wh': --{•:*•:•••••a-,i—..1=1-%•~^-,r- :••::''1 ^^M^:.#'J|^:^- m^fy •%m. g^lp^::--;-giA -.%fe:••ig^ :••?;-i>:--Vi.TJ:??1 xijlr.•'••-..i.v ••J •-.'r;j-..Mi3c- i^'-' Project/Activity Caloosahatchee Storage -Additional Project C-43 Distributed ReservoirsProject Caloosahatchee Ecoscape Water Quality Treatment Area Project ASR on Public Lands Tape Grass (Vallisneria americana)Plantings Upstreamof S-79 Project Oxbow Restoration Tape Grass Plantings below S-79 Caloosahatchee River Watershed Projects REGIONAL PROJECTS Description Projectcreates50.000 ac-ft ofabovegroundstorageinCaloosahatchee River Watershed. Projectcouldbe designed toallowfordry season releases.It is expected to have O&M costs associated with pumping operations. Projectinvolvesconstructionofmultiple storage reservoirstocapture excess runoff for use to meet both environmental flowsto the CRE and agricultural demands. Projectcouldbedesignedtoallowfordry season releases.Itis expected to have O&M costs associated with pumping operations. Project consists ofaconstructedwetland designed foroptimalremoval of TNfrom the CRE.Conceptual project developed to reduce nutrient pollutantloading downstream.Strategy ofthiseffort was toformulate both structural and non-structural features. Development ofAquiferStorageand Recovery arraysonpubliclandsto capturesurpluswaterflowinwatershed.Potential locationsinclude BOMApropertyand Babcock Ranch Preserve. It is expected to have O&M costs associated with pumping operations. District study helps reestablish viable tape grass seed stock forfuture populations In theupperCRE.ThegoalIstocreateaviabletapegrass seed stockintheupperCRE;test twogeneticstrainsofSouth Florida tapegrassforsurvivalgrowth,andflowerandseed production fortwo years;and determine howlong enclosures need toremaininplaceto ensure survival. Projectinvolvestherestorationof remnant oxbows withinthe Caloosahatchee River.ProjectwouldInvolvelimiteddredgingofthe formerriver.channel andrestoration/preservationof adjacent littoral vegetation.Approximately 40oxbowshavebeen identified for restoration, Projectis expected toprovidemultiple benefits includingrecreation, habitat enhancement,and water quality improvements. Involves the restoration and enhancement of +/-1,200 acres of historic submerged aquaticvegetation(tapegrass)intheoligohaline littoral zones ofthe Caloosahatchee River below S-79.The projectwillinvolve theplantingand establishment of between 16-20 large "founder colonies"intheupperestuaryandtributariestorestore fish andwildlife habitatandserveasa seed bankforrecoveryofhistoricdistribution anddensityof tape grass. Project Status Further study requiredto develop projects).Assumes the acquisition of approximately 3.500 acres. Further study requiredto develop projects).Assumes the acquisitionofapproximately6,600acres. Projectwasincludedinthe Southwest Florida Comprehensive Watershed Plan(formerly Southwest FloridaFeasibility Study), which isin the process of being completed;however,there has not been anyadditionaldesignorfundingworkperformed. Further study requiredto develop projects). In 2011,cages were monitored weekly In June and bimonthly in July andAugust;to date,cagesareholdingup well TheLake Trafford plants/cages areshowingsignificantlymoregrowthatbothsites comparedtothoseinLakeKennedy.InAugust,spreadoutsideof the cages and new growtfi inthe cages was observed atSite2for Lake Kennedy treatments.Fundingforadditionalplantingand monitoringwas appropriated for FY14-15. Several oxbows arepublicly owned.Could involve collaboration with multiple public and private entities. Project budget for Oxbow24 was $500,000.Estimated nutrient removal cost was $140/lbs TN,$3,500/lbs TP There isnolocal sponsor forthisproject.Project was submitted for RESTORE funding. Last Revised 11/18/14 Phase Long-term Long-term Lang-term Long-term Near-term Long-term Long-term Category/ Aflency Regional TBD Regional TBD Regional TBD Regional TBD Regional SFWMD, Lee County Regional TBD Regional TBD Estimated Cost $500,000 per oxbow $2,312,900 18|Page Funded? Partial Project/Activity Harns Marsh Improvements- Phase HI(West Marsh) Project Nalle Grade Stormwater ParkProject Ford Canal Filter Marsh (FordStreet Preserve) Project Fichter's Creek Restoration Project Aquifer Benefit and Storage for Orange River Basin(ABSORB)Project Hickey Creek Canal Widening Project Hendry Extension Canal Widening Project Caloosahatchee River Watershed Projects LOCAL PROJECTS Description Projectinvolvesanexisting 578-acre ECVYCD stormwater treatment facility.Phase ill includes designing the West Marsh (additional 202+A acres)to expand the marsh treatment facility.Thiswill reduce freshwater discharges to the Caloosahatchee River(viathe Orange River)and provide water quality treatment Project is expected to provide multiple benefits includingfloodcontrol, recreation,habitat enhancement,water quality improvements and water recharge. LeeCountyproject proposes to restore/modify anexisting degraded marshsystemanddesignastormwaterretentionfacilitytominimize floodinginthe Bayshore Creek Watershed. Projectis expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludingfloodcontrol, habitat enhancement,water quality improvements and water recharge. CityofFortMyersproject creates afittermarshtoimproveoverall qualityofstormwaterdischargingintoBillyCreek;marshisintendedto workcollectivelywith other treatment areas alongBillyCreek and its tributaries.Project creates a treatment marsh designed todivertand treat lowflowsfrom low-level rain events using a diversion weir. Project provides ecosystem restoration through hydrologic and water quality improvements in Renter's Creek,and provides flood protection forneighboring areas:components include3.2 acres oflakes,three dry detention areas (7.1 acres),cuh/ert installation/replacement,filter marsh creation,and berm work. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits includingfloodcontrol, habitat enhancement and water recharge. Project involves increasing stormwater storage capacity and groundwater recharge inthe Southwest area ofLehighAcresby constructing 27 weirs. Projectis expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludingfloodcontrol, waterquality improvements andwater recharge. Projectincludesthe canal wideningandconstructionoflittoral zones alongthreemilesofHickeyCreekCanal. Projectis expected toprovidemultiple benefits includingfloodcontrol, habitat enhancement,water quality improvements and water storage. Projectprovidesadditional water quantity storage withinexisting canal right-of-waytohelp provide more stormwater storage inthe5.5mile section ofHendry Extension Canal. Projectis expected toprovidemultiple benefits includingfloodcontrol andwater recharge. Project Status Allnecessary lands have been acquired.Project design iscurrently underway. The project involves collaboration withmultiple agencies including FDOT as apotential source for construction funding. Projectis In designandpermitting.$500,000 inLegislativefunding wasappropriated.Constructionisscheduledtobeginin2016. Phase 1 complete,Phase 2 awarded with construction tobeginin August2014and Phase 3isbeingpermitted. Easement is required.Project has been permitted:construction is planned to begin in FY16. Project is designed and permitted.Scheduled tobegin construction bythe end of 2014. Partialfundingisinplace (FDEP $1.2m)andtherestisbeingworked onwithan agreement fromFOOTforthe SR 82widening project Nolandacquisitionisrequired.Project is designed andpermitted. Construction is waitingonfundingandaproject source totakethefill material removed. Projectpermittedanddesigned,constructionprojected In FY2015. FDOTprovidingfunding through SR82 expansion. LastRevised 11/18/14 Phase Near-Term Near-term Near-term Near-term Near-term Near-term Near-term Category/ Agency Local ECWCD Local Lee County Local Ft.Myers Local LeeCounty Local ECWCD Local ECWCD Local ECWCD Estimated Cost $8,000,000 $3,300,000 (design & cons.) $2,000,000 $1,400,000 (const.) $1,200,000 (const.) $6,000,000 (const.) 19|Page Funded? Partial Partial Hydrologic Restorationof Bob Janes Preserve ProjectwiTI servetorestorethenaturalsheetflowandpossiblyimpound water withinthe abandoned fann fieldstoallowaquifer recharge, reducehighflowsine manmede ditch(LighterCanal)duringthewet season. Projectis expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludingfloodcontrol, habitat enhancement,water quality improvements andwaterrecharge. Phase I involvingtherestorationofformeragriculturalfields was completedin 2014.Thesecondphaseisawaitingconstruction funds.Noland acquisition is required. Near-Term Local Lee County $600,000 (const) Partial HydrologicRestorationof SixMile Cypress Slough Preserve -North Thehistoricalsitehydrologyand ecosystem have been significantly altered.Waterfrompotionsofthe preserve has been divertednorth intotheOrangeRiver,ratherthan south intoSixMite Cypress Slough. RestorationofhistoricflowscouldbenefitSix MileCypress Sloughand reducetheamountofwaterflowingintotheOrangeRiverandultimately the Caloosahatchee River. Project Is expected toprovidemultiple benefits includingfloodcontrol, recreation,habitat enhancement,waterquality improvements andwater recharge. Phase I,the Impoundment,ispermittedandwill undergo constructionduring 2014.Additionalconstructionfundswillbe needed to complete theproject phase.Phase II,the rehydrationof thewesterncypressdome,isbeingpermittedandwillbeconstructed withfinancialhelpbythe Florida Department ofTransportation. Phase III,will require the design,permittingand construction ofa flowway whichwillbringwatertoPhase1oftheproject Near-term Local Lee County $1,000,000 Partial HydrologicRestorationof Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve The projectareaisaformer marsh that was disturbed when covered with fill duringthedredgingofthe Caloosahatchee Riverinthe 1950s. The project willcutameanderingstreamchannelthroughthespoilin the locationnearahistoric channel and rehydrate former wetlands. Projectis expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludinghabitat enhancement,water quality Improvements andwater recharge. Noland acquisition isrequired.Theprojecthasbeendesignedand permitted. Near-term Local Lee County $650,000 (cons.) Y HydrologicRestorationof Telegraph Creek Preserve Thisprojectwillhelptorestorethenatural sheet flowfromthe800-acre palmetto prairie andwet prairie/hydricflatwoods system intoTelegraph Creek where ditches were installed by previous owners tohelpdrain thisportionofthepreserve.Geowebbingand/orculvertswillbeinstalled alongexisting management trailsthatareerodingintothecreek.The existingswalewherethewaterformerlywould have flowedtothe creek will begradedandcleanedout.The washouts willberecontouredand plantingswillbeinstalledtoreducefurthersoilerosionintothe creek. Projectis expected toprovidemultiple benefits includingflood control, habitat enhancement,waterquality improvements andwaterrecharge. Noland acquisition is required.The project requires further design. Near-term Local Lee County $500,000 (cons.) Y Ft.MyersCentral Sewer Expansion Septic tank conversion tocentral sewer to reduce nutrientloadinginthe watershedandexpandreclaimedwaterfrom6 MGD to 11 MGD.The projectareaislocatedwithinthe city limitseastof 1-75. Theprojectistentatively scheduled for FY.2016-2017 basedon fundingavailability Near-Term Local Ft.Myers $11,000,00 0 N Ranch Lakes Estates Central Sewer Project Septictankconversiontocentral sewer locatedatRanchLakesEstates inMoore Haven.Involves the construction ofadditionalgravity sewer collection system In the Moore Haven downtown and Ranch Lakes Estates areaadjacenttothe Caloosahatchee Riverto homes now served byindividualprivateoldandfailingseptic systems. Thisprojectwillreducenutrientloadingtothe Caloosahatchee Basin. The wastewater improvement projectincludesthepreliminary engineering services,design,permittingand construction. Near-term Local Glades County $350,000 N Jacks Branch/County Line Ditch ProjectinvolvesimprovementofwaterflowwithinJacksBranch watershed andmodificationofthe County LineDitchbywideningthe ditchand providing weirsforincreasedwaterstorageand treatment Project Is expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludingflood control, water quality improvements and water recharge. All necessary landhasbeenacquired.Theprojecthasbeen 'designedandpermitted.Requiresconstruction funding. Couldbe constructed in conjunction with Babcock Ranch Preserve Project. Near-Term Local Hendry County $3,600,000 (const.) N tast Revised 11/18/14 20|Page i^'^PJlt.^r"^"-^•^^i^?''•'•• ^dW^Jlgip ..„';'-y ^rir-j^-jtf;.!LJ,i<£•]?$$l^-U-adfl i-^^^p#f#£#V*foh;|r; :••".••i y,;t;t ''!/!.':rr.j-.••:•:.•..•v:.,„!.';,-,,'""'.T.'-"rr'.'•••••-•:•••.I'•".H.:UHvt.nir,-r•••\.t....•+'.t:.Iau.-,.,..,.I.iv.:"1'"'."'[.!'."•'illj'J:''!:.'^'!•-*':•.••—%•;•.!.;-H ;_•••;,•••••••'i^'^-:>i'/./i-}.•'•••:f"/..-a:.•.:r"i.••;:••'•*[..•>••>.•'••:•!:'•.•-•-"^F^Y^'lr ..'•~'r'•' ^K.v,.,j,,.j^i;,;:;;.^ ::.>4^!^^>1:.^li^ST^i:^:V«^.«:*^:-:;•••••"Si-T^!"r> ^mtm~- rirT^.:--!:.•.•.'",.v >'j-.-.j ,.lK..h •,.'._.,.••••-.••.••••ji—f .r-.t.-|1iJj.jTtjjri'i^[ip':i... ^e.C^pdrtlonof ^ jCpmpletedin 2010,These stormwater management:fiiprjqje*i^^:ij^Jirvcju^^retrofit^basins and adalng veJ^tWej^v^ ••#feCeireatmerii\^ 1"":'•"y^^^isw^^1^^/." .•-r-,r^i:|W!4fr|;V-tLp.-Ju-l':'-.•..;.;•/•• Cityof LaBelie; •Sforrnv^ter/Maste^ra^ry^: ImplementaUon/i-^i'^!: T.q.-.rfl_|rf,-.KHvrir i>roj'ectiiMutfe^3te^ ^^^&Mii^. ;:j:f^r^rnf>' ^Pfpject-pl^idejS-iStpr^P=^iEI>'perm^j|;^filn^^^^^8mbdrflcatibn;'^^^Sri^ie%y^ &&£-rJ™> North Teh.Mile..Canal,:^ StormwaterTnkitmihi ?. System Pipjec^^^i^ <Sunnifan67Nlne.Mile Run". :Draihage .l^P^yerrieng^ Yellow Fever.'^lkip Creek/Gator Slbugritra^sfefFad|ilv;!|F5rc^^ Billy GieWi^s^raborP.? •Moore Hav'en!&p^;=lfe Oredglrtg :"•-M^tS^S Greenbrta^i^^g# C^jWMi -Project rnvo!ves;trje restqra^qj|[^hjstor1rc^Vflk3wi:to Buckingham Ttaiis^^ ^WJ¥?'-;9??^?y•fHi^Sfjf^B^tfepiSS^peWry.e;^TO-gfr"^e:!-4^-l^^i»Tjojrj&$^fo corfe^!i5^p^iral]s !and?: rj..jjMii-»:-..'.•••^VK'Vfi'.J"••••'-S.•:..."T^tfK?B ••'-;•••:•^i^^flTEf?-1!ik •••project is;expected to provide multiple berie%;fncludln0^ood control,:. ||fflitet,4nKah^mentand •.;'. l|f^]res'iand':a^ui^'tldn:>'^ L-Fiiur^~-1riK;tidn\inFYl5/,i6.,••:'''':^§^»P»Ml. ••:•.-P;\;r;:4!^M.a.^u:!:Sl Slrpject Involves;the hydTOloglC^torattOffSM^istortcal .ggw^tatfrj^ |r^dwaJewii^Yell6w Fei«rC^TO^PfeJ^cfJ^lufijes j^e:';c^kr¥ctip.n^tB ^ever.CreekTb,'h3n^F:si33a^flowl;ftoW'&^ltP tcUrrenBfgi:'e|c:ettj|d byGate?'SldUgrSWiSnd redlred to Matfacha.l ^.hy.^1»:": !|l3ohceptual design is^cpmpleteviPermittihg to begin in.ft^i^^wjl^jt; &iW coordinaflon.beJwe^;LeelC6unty;and City 6f:Gape;Cc^S&fir •.n .,,|.......,.^^-j..jjyj .••....•...i•-.-,;._-x (£u..^tj_^••:.-rj:yy..?:• •ft.t-C v.:... •|Hj^=y;^^:v,:.- Jjpf^^yegetat^i^i.tf dreUgfig pf,jBIHys,e(eek|i-:.-\??-^^ ^pee^enirig/aWy^e^w.u., m'reductio^an irKreasein^wetl^water quality,benefit^1 iffdjarsedlment^ Project is pertt|itieS;i :.!tH!'<*'•<••••••''•"•".'./..;'• to begin in-FY^OiB;.^?-^'^3-*rJ'-r\'.^:• ,-^atean&fedefatp^rniits have been'ap^i^^.RB^ly<fumied ih! §ro|^:felnct^^ '^Rn^rbver^efrtiPlan^lijProject'req fun^er.desjgw'wd^r-'i'i/'.'.",!r::v •,<-:. :•••"•:'••.'.(.-iar45tek-fej:H-•.'''"'••!?'&*'<'•'.(•?'*!>;i/"i'':!••••"••••'••l•:.••'•.i£fc>H '• •.:Sectldn:j10^$tbra'ge :^-":1•'".work.:Requires lar^a^u^^ fedry^^Cpuhty Storage .i •ymmm i^r^sctcbnslsts '^^^@^)l^if'-shai^wa:terpD^ge^cnity.S'i5| ;:fejpjri«iu'ce nutrient IpSng^M^REv '"^j&^y^r^''• fej&us ha^i.iatrlenhan'ceipe^ .inefits inducling^^floc^^hfr^ ^e^eps-and v^t.y&iih*'-'i' ,^erdroject.ls-e>pejctedto havft^j^^^:.,._^ releases ofwater to "m^estiJa^^rwllij'Bie .expeciedItbiJhaVe"6&M costs' •i!6ssociate^-w|||^r •:-l^^?^T:t^l^;^i;!;- [#;$? AtfXrP!'/*' *•Pn5jeci was included.In the tCVytb.FY20i:Q^2;6l4-Capital Impr^f|j^;nii Plan.ECWCD has evaluated three srtes^or possible acqu'SJp^l^'•"•'ry;^^^:^;,-.-r.-.'"':"'r'-^:'i:;:.. ;Fwndlrig^Will1 be;required for land;a^^||^,.desTgn and ";.•?E --'• cons^rUciionvirJ^vi'j^^ife^r!..":':'••'•:-•.•••'•„•.^..••iin^fj-.T-.r;::-'.-....../^^M-L-V.^!^.:.:•....;••.•,••:•-'.-. ^•dHAJr^.:-A.fl::i-,.•-•••••ti'-:<?.f v..?.-..:,::-••••.>•--•.•.-..•.••••.•••• :rJ! ^N^-term.; f "Near-term,. Near-term;% Near-term. •Near-term- [•^Longrtemi Lwg^ejpi!;; tiC^c^emi:. ,;';iocai'.:.:,:. r-.»ct'Jl.J'ir!L:;-p-^:.''-•:" ;34Ft"Myers:.• ^j^'Gaiinty i^GajJe'feoial:' .:,-'L«cal.:-;'. :-:Ft'Myers.:, Glades :Gounty Locaj ;;tr., .ecWco^j;!: £Lee County :;:Local ECWCD Loca:i£:^ :•:r;.jit: #S: '$4^0oiopp -::::$50,000:. ^:^);..^?$ioo.dod:v ;^:(des.). $300r000..: (design1 &- .cons;)/ $68p.oqp:: .;$i2;boo,oo $0,500,000 Ji^Ecwq? +r4,r4ff-^:;|:.i1 K-'iyjv.;:•:-., •ri.^-^:',• •:fe •?i:..-'L;'ir:-W-- ill hM': Partial :N,•;":••; ;.V.>,-.v.--•••.•••-•-•'-,.•,••,i-..i,--•'•v.^-.i ...:iJ.Kr.i^.w.^v\<|;..t .•.^Mn.:ia.rfn-..x.........-,1k.!,...-.£....,^>^V.lr«4*rti.pp-.7i.-;..r..;,v.,-..-„,•.....-..-•.,.. ••••.••si.r-ti:|.:u...-•..,^•:^-,:-r"-fS-.:t:^-•'•••?••T'••„,:_.,Z>i,:*ii--:-'•-.••T^'-'V1 r-"•:''.•...•.-.;..r._.-y;^jri^^i-rJ-:•••••••...:^..ih<&$£r--•J.J&iAfKt-'•.-.,.,.,,.;..^M.^--^-^ ;y;.La^Revis^:iiyi8/14, '•J-.-'xl^.-.-:"•.1--^ Pag fe ?i<^S^?*y.•• •'•^'W^riJl^-. 3i«a •WitiJ^v, Spanish Creek Preserve Restoration Projectinvolvestheacquisitionof agricultural landstocreateshallow water storageandwetland flow-way to rehydrete theRubyDaniels Preserve at Spanish Creek. Projectisexpectedtoprovidemultiplebenefits including flood control, habitat enhancement,waterquality improvements andwaterrecharge. Phase 11nvolving the rehydrationofaportionof Ruby Daniels Preserve was completed in 2014.Designandacquisitionof approximately 640 acres land Is requiredto construct the storage andcompleterehydrationof Spanish Creek.Long-Term Local Lee County $14,800.00 0 (acq.des. const) Partial Lehigh Wetland Restoration Undeveloped lotswillbe purchased to restore remnant wetlands throughtheconstructionof one weir.Projectisapproximately710 acres located in the Greenbriar Swamp area. Projectisexpectedtoprovidemultiplebenefits including flood control, habitat enhancement waterqualityimprovementsandwaterrecharge. Funding needed toinitiate the project Long-term Local MuHiple $70,000,00 0 (acq.des.& const) N Mirror Lakes Storage/Rehydration Project Multi-phaseproject intended torehydrate Mirror Lakes(akaHalfway Pond),reduce peak flow discharges to the Orange River,and restore flows to the headwaters of the Estero River. Projectisexpectedtoprovidemultiplebenefits including floodcontrol, habitat enhancement,water quality improvements and water recharge. Phase 1(rehydrate MirrorLakes)completed October 2012 to include a pump station and approximately 1,000 acre-ft of storage.Phase II and III involves moving water south under SR 82,and Is inthe planningandpreliminary design stage.Long-term Local ECWCD FDOT SFWMD Phase II: $300,000 ' (const) Phase III: TBD Partial CapeCoralCanal Stormwater Recovery by Aquifer Storage and Recover (ASR) Project Project uses ASR wellsinCapeCoralto overcome watershortfallinthe dry season andprovidefloodattenuation in thewet season. Projectis expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludingflood control, water quality improvements and water recharge. Three ASR wellswere constructed in2007;however,cycletesting hasnot started and construction of pumping stations and associated connections isnot anticipated until 2015 due to budgetary constraints. Long-term Local Cape Coral Partial Stumper Jumper Ranch Land Acquisition Projectinvolvestheacquisitionandrestorationof 149 acresof disturbed land located within the Spanish Creek watershed in northeast Lee County. Projectis expected toprovidemultiple benefits inciudingfloodcontrol, habitat enhancement,water quality improvements and water recharge Project design and acquisition required.FormerLee County Conservation 20/20 nomination. Long-term Local Lee County $1,482,250 (acq.) N Lehigh Acres Wastewater Treatment and Stormwater Retrofit Project Projectinvolvesinstalling stormwater treatment featuresinLehigh Acres,updatingcurrent stormwater management system,and converting high-density septic tanks to centralized wastewater treatment.Includes the conversion of 12,666 septic tank systems to central sewer. Projectis expected toprovidemultiplebenefitsincludingfloodcontrol andwaterquality improvements. The projectis expected to have O&M costs associated withthe central sewer system. Nearly100 single family homes in Lehigh Acres have been connected to the centralized wastewater treatment plant since 2009. Projectrequiresfundingtocontinue.Long-term Local Multiple $197,238,3 50 (sewer component) N Fort Myers-Cape Coral Reclaimed Water InterconnectProject Project includes installinga20-inch diameter transmission linefromFort Myers Treatment Plantto Cape Coral Reclamation Treatment Plant. Thisisintendedtohelp prevent discharging9 mgd treatedwaterinto .the CRE. The feasibility study completed in 2010 foundthat constructing a disposal well was a less expensive near-term option;however, projectis still desirableasalong-termoption.Legislativefundingfor additional study was appropriated for FY14-15. Long-term Local Cape Coral Ft.Myers Partial Cape Coral Wastewater Treatment and Stormwater Retrofit Project CityofCapeCoralutility expansion projecttoconvertseptic systems to gravity sewers and replace older stormwater inlets with newer inlets designed to assist stormwater management includes improvements to existing sewer system and incorporation of roadside swale into drainage system. Project Is expected to provide multiple benefits including water quality improvements,water reuse and water recharge. Project on-going.Next scheduled areais located in Northwest Sector outside of Caloosahatchee watershed. *Long-term Local CapeCoral N LastRevised 11/18/14 22|Page Shoemaker-Zapato Canal Stormwater Treatment Project Winkler Canal Treatment MarshProject Northern Everglades - Payment for Environmental Services (NE-PES)Program Dispersed Water Management Water Farming Assessment Dispersed Water Management interim Sites Urban BMPs:Urban Fertilizer Rule [Lake Okeechobee Estuaryand Recovery (LOER))&Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program RecyclableWater Containment Areas Project Project includes installingweir/watercontrol structures toIncrease channel storage andprovide peak flow attenuation,it will enhance waterqualityandreduceerosionand siltation intoBillyCreek. Project creates a treatment marsh designed todivertandtreatlowflows from low-tevel rain events usinga diversion weir. NE-PES solicitationisanInnovativeapproachthatallowscattle ranchers to deliver environmental services for water and nutrient retention.The goa!is to establish relationshipsvia contracts withprivate landowners to obtain water management services of water and nutrient retention to reduce flows and nutrient loads to Lake Okeechobee and the St.Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. Utilize fallow/out-of-productlon citruslandstostore water and attenuate nutrients.To determine theoverallfeasibilityofthewaterfarming concept,information with respect to environmental benefits gained compared to the cost estimates associated with on-site construction, infrastructure improvements,environmental assessments,andfacility maintenance needs to be evaluated. Parcels scheduled to become regionalrestorationprojectspresentan opportunity to provide water retention through interim,low-cost alterationstotheexistingsurfacewater management systems.These parcels would then provide an interim rote of contributing to the watershed restorationeffortwhilethefinal designs are completed and approved.If thepubliclandsarebeing leased,thenwater management strategies will bejointly developed wtththe lessees to reduce discharges whilenot adversely affectingfloodprotection(including adjacentproperties)andwaterquality. TheUrbanFertilizerRuleisanFDACSrulethatregulatesthecontentof phosphorus andnitrogeninurbanturffertilizerstoImprove water quality.The Florida YardsandNeighborsProgramprovideseducation tocitizensbypromotinglanduse designs tominimizepesticides, fertilizers,andirrigationwater. Project uses agriculturalorotherlandstoprovidetemporary storage, remove nutrients,andtreatagricultural stormwater runoffwhich will help, reduce nutrient loadingtothe CRE.Involves the construction of earthen berms toretainuptotwofeetofwaterstorage.Wouldremain operationalapproximately5years,thenreturnedtoagricultural production. Project Is expected toprovidemultiple benefits includingwater reuse andwater recharge.It is expected to have O&M costs. Last Revised 11/18/14 Additional study required Project has been permittedbutis on-hold pendingfundingforland acquisition. Firstsolicitation;8projects under contract,none withinthe Caloosahatchee Watershed.Second solicitation:2 projects are withinthe Caloosahatchee Watershed.The Mudge Ranch project, locatedinGladesCountynorthofthe Caloosahatchee River,is operational.The Babcock PropertyHoldingsproject,locatedin CharlotteCounty,isbeingnegotiated. TheDistrictenteredintoacooperative agreement with GulfCitrus Growers Association to assess the feasibilityofwaterfarming.The feasibility study was completed in December 2013.Fundingfor further implementation isnot available atthistime. Interim lands in the Caloosahatchee Watershed include BOMA and C-43 reservoir site. Since 2009,the UF/IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhood Program has expanded froma homeowner approachtocoverabroader audience (e.g..builders,developers,architects). ProjectwasincludedInthe Southwest Florida Comprehensive WatershedPlan (formerly Southwest Florida Feasibility Study), whichisinthe process ofbeing completed. Fundingfordesignandconstructionwillberequired.Additionally, partnerships willberequiredto implement Long-term Long-term Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Local Ft Myers Local FtMyers Regional- Dispersed Water Mgmt SFWMD Regional Dispersed Water Mgmt SFWMD Regional Dispersed Water Mgmt. SFWMD Regional Source Control Multiple Regional TBD $2,000,000 Both Projects Combined TBD $700,000 23|Page Ag r i c u l t u r a l B M P s - Ow n e r Im p l e m e n t e d , Fu n d e d C o s t - S h a r e , an d C o s t - S h a r e Fu t u r e . F u n d i n g Im p l e m e n t s ag r i c u l t u r a l B M P s a n d w a t e r q u a l i t y im p r o v e m e n t pr o j e c t s to r e d u c e t h e di s c h a r g e of n u t r i e n t s f r o m t h e wa t e r s h e d . To t a l a g r i c u l t u r a l ac r e a g e In th e Ca l o o s a h a t c h e e Wa t e r s h e d is ap p r o x i m a t e l y 47 6 , 5 6 8 ac r e s . A p p r o x i m a t e l y 7 1 p e r c e n t o f t h i s ac r e a g e is en r o l l e d in ow n e r Im p l e m e n t e d BM P s an d ha v e co s t - sh a r e ty p e BM P s in pl a c e . G o a l i s 10 0 % co v e r a g e On g o i n g Re g i o n a l S o u r c e C o n t r o l D A C S Y la s t Re v i s e d 11 / 1 8 / 1 4 24 | P a g e