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_Add-On a) revisedAdd-On a) By: Mayor Stoddard Commission Meeting 3-03-15 RESOLUTION NO. _________________ 1 A Resolution of the City of South Miami accepting and endorsing the 2 “Caloosahatchee Watershed-Regional Water Management Issues” Report dated 3 December 16, 2014, which sets forth short term and long term strategic planning 4 goals to address water storage and treatment within Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee 5 and Caloosahatchee Watersheds. 6 7 WHEREAS, our community shares the concerns of the five municipalities within Lee County, 8 the common interests and concerns with respect to water quality within the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee 9 and Caloosahatchee watersheds; and 10 11 WHEREAS, a document titled “Caloosahatchee Watershed – Regional Water Management 12 Issues” has been developed and prepared to concisely set forth a comprehensive strategy to address 13 water storage and treatment within the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee 14 watersheds, as well as to identify land and infrastructure needed to convey excess water south into 15 Everglades National Park and Florida Bay where it is needed; and 16 17 WHEREAS, our community generally agrees upon the comprehensive goals and strategies to 18 address the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee water resource issues; and 19 20 WHEREAS, the water quality within the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee 21 watersheds has a direct impact on the quantity and quality of the water in South Miami. 22 23 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY 24 COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA: 25 26 Section 1 31 . The City of South Miami hereby accepts and endorses the report on the 27 “Caloosahatchee Watershed – Regional Water Management Issues” dated December 16, 2014, which is 28 intended to be revised and updated periodically to address current best practices and approaches with 29 respect to water quality and water resource protection. 30 Section 2 38 . The City of South Miami encourages all governing bodies throughout the State of 32 Florida to also accept and endorse the report on the “Caloosahatchee Watershed – Regional Water 33 Management Issues” in order to encourage general agreement on collective and comprehensive 34 approaches to the Kissimmee, Lake Ockeechobee and Caloosahatchee watershed resource issues that are 35 of paramount importance to not only the resident and visitors to Lee County and Southwest Florida but 36 also to Miami-Dade County. 37 Section 3. 41 Effective Date. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption by 39 vote of the City Commission. 40 PASSED AND ADOPTED this ____ day of _____________, 2015. 42 43 ATTEST: APPROVED: 44 45 _____________________ ______________________ 46 CITY CLERK MAYOR 47 48 READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM, COMMISSION VOTE: 49 LANGUAGE, LEGALITY AND Mayor Stoddard: 50 EXECUTION THEREOF Vice Mayor Harris: 51 Page 2 of 2 Commissioner Edmond: 1 _____________________________ Commissioner Liebman: 2 CITY ATTORNEY Commissioner Welsh: 3 CALOOSAHATCHEE WATERSHED -REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES STORAGE & TREATMENT PROGRESS SUMMARY NOVEMBER 18,2014 Introduction The coastal communities of Lee County were devastated by the freshwater discharges from Lake 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 Caloosohatchee 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 in a water management system that is very different from its original state. The system thot 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 dur"lng the dry season. The water that we do receive is laden with excessive nutrients that can stimulate harmful algal blooms. What;s at Stake? In Lee County, tourism generates more than $2.7 billion annually. Real estate tax revenue in Lee County is more than $293 million annually. A recent poll by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau indicated that 94% of all visitors to Lee County identified our beaches as our most attractive asset. 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 coast can effect critical estuarine resources such as sea grasses, oysters and fishes. The combined impacts on the local economy and the ecology of our waters can greatly influence the quality of life of Lee County residents. llPage Last Revised 11/18/14 ATTACHMENT "AU 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 Florida Bay where it is needed. What are Lee County and the five municipalities of Lee County doing 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 inciudes 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 a list of short-term, low-cost strategies, as well as a longer-term list of 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 for Water Storage I. Revisit the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS 2008) risk assessment to determine if there are any opportunities to provide more storage to reduce discharges to the estuaries in light of recent improvements in the Herbert Hoover Dike. Evaluate the Lake Okeechobee Minimum Flow and Level (MFL) to determine if Lake levels can be maintained lower to increase storage capacity without ecological impacts. Reevaluate how flows to the 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 a joint 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 21Page 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 govemments and organizations to Assistant 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 in light of progress made on dike repairs to date. The report is scheduled to be completed in March 2015. 2. Maximize flows through the Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) to the fullest extent possible to convey water south during 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 ST As. 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 ore needed in order to increase the capaCity and eliminate impacts to tribal and agricultural lands south of the Lake. *It is important to note that these are long-term projects, not short-term low-cost strategies. 31Page 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 quality criteria 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 01/ private lands currently under contract with the SFWMD for the 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. The SFWMD is continuing to explore other dispersed water storage projects, including a praposal from Alico Corporation to store additional water within the Caloosahatchee basin. In order for this 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 on 01/ public lands within the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee basins. Secure permits and/or authorizations now in preparation for the spring recession in Lake Okeechobee and free up storage capacity for wet season. The C-43 West Reservoir/Berry Groves site is a good example of where there are opportunities for water storage on public lands. These sites should be utilized prior to exceeding the high flow ecological targets in the Caloosahatchee (>2,800 cfs 30-day moving average). 41Page Last Revised 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 for 2014 included 9,169 acre-feet on pre-project lands and the use of 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 flexibility for 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 flows to 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 a joint 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 leiter to the SFWMD regarding Adaptive Protocols highlighting that there are inherent flaws in the Protocols that reduce flows to the Caloosahalchee when there is no risk of water shortage and no other water users SiPage last Revised 11/18/14 are being cut bock. In July 2014, the SFWMD Governing Boord approved a stoff recommendation to evaluate whether or not there were opportunities for additional operational flexibility within the Adoptive Protocols in the middle and upper bonds of the Lake Regulation Schedule. SFWMD stoff is currently evaluating the data to determine if operational changes can provide additional water for all water users. This exercise could identify additional water in the middle and upper bonds of the LORS to supplement dry season flows to the Caloosahalchee. 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 Kissimmee River restoration storage and treatment benefits for work already completed. a. This issue has been resolved. Additional storage is now available within the Kissimmee River floodplain as a result of this agreement. This should provide additional storage and treatment benefits to the Caloosahalchee. Total storage and treatment numbers are forthcoming. FEDERAL PRIORITIES 1. Fully support the 2074 Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDAJ bill, which includes authorization for the Caloosahatchee C·43 West Basin Reservoir Project; and appropriate the necessary funds to implement the C·43 Reservoir Project. The reservoir will provide 770,000 acre·feet of storage within the Caloosahatchee basin and help address high and low flow issues. 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 Boy Coastal Wetlands projects. The next step is for Congress to appropriate the funds needed to construct the various projects in WRRDA. This will require 61Page last Revised 11/18/14 a great deal of work to ensure that our legislators hear from us and understand the importance of funding the C-43 Reservoir Project. This year the Florida legislature appropriated $18 million to help fund the C-43 Reservoir Project. It is estimated that we will need $300 million in 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 for WRRDA 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-feef of water south of Lake Okeechobee and will address some of the damaging flows to the Sf. 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 WRRDA bill. 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 WRRDA bill or sooner. On September 16, 2014, Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Patrick Murphy sponsored a bill to authorize the Central Everglades Planning Project. This bipartisan bill is supported by Senator Rubio and other members of the Florida delegation. Full support of the Florida delegation will be critical for this bill to get traction. 3. The Federal Government needs to fund their shore of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and implement the projects agreed to in the plan. A majority of the lands needed for the 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 71Page last Revised 11/18/14 keep pressure .on our Federal legislative delegation to ensure that funds are appropriated for our priority projects. 4. Continue to keep pressure on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move as quickly as possible to rehabilitate the Herbert HooverDike. The project will protect the communities around Loke Okeechobee and possibly provide additional storage in the lake to reduce peak flows to the estuaries. a. On September 17, 2013, the Lee County municipalities sent a joint 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. On July 8, 2014, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation sent a letter on behalf of 24 individuals representing several local governments and organizations to Assistant Secretary of the Army, Jo-Ellen Darcy, 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 of this study, the Corps will be assessing progress to date on the Herbert Hoover Dike and will evaluate the risk assessment for LORS 2008 in light of progress on dike repairs. The report is scheduled to be completed in March 2015. It is 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. It is not our desire to maintain the lake at higher elevations but only to 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 I. Construct the first Cell of the C-43 West Basin Reservoir Project. As currently planned, the C-43 Reservoir will store up to 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 existing Minimum Flow and Level for the Caloosahatchee River 80% of the time. The project, with an estimated cost of more than $600 million, was designed with two large 81Page last Revised 11/18/14 celis, a single 1,500 cis pump station and a number of gated overflow and discharge structures. Under CERP, the state of Florida and South Florida Water Management District are responsible for 50% of the total 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. As a 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 1,500 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 it is discharged into the Caloosahatchee. a. The state appropriated $18 million for moving forward with an interim project for the C-43 reservoir site. Work is scheduled to begin in winter 2015. The SFWMD is 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 Caloosahalchee 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 participSlting in the process. This project could get momentum if there is continued support from the stakeholders. 2. Construct the C-43 Water Quality Treatment and Demonstration Project (SOMA Property). The objective of this project is to 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 is a multi-phased project involving bioassays, mesocosms, test celis, and field-scale cells to test, optimize, and demonstrate effectiveness of wetland-based technology, ultimately leading to implementation of a full-sized treatment facility. a. In late 2012, a conceptual design for a testing facility was completed. Full engineering design and permitting of the testing 91Page Last Revised 11/18/14 facility is contingent upon funding. The SFWMD will be performing the bioassays and mesocosms study in 2015 and 2016. 3. Move forward with the Lake Hicpochee Restoration Project. Funds are 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 result in increased water storage and treatment within the Caloosahatchee basin. a. Northern Lake Hicpochee restoration is in 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-feel. 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 for this project. The Lake Hicpochee South Project is currently in a 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. 4. Purchase additional lands south of Lake Okeechobee at fair market value, acquire private easements, or swap existing State-owned lands for fhe 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/acrej from U.S. Sugar Corporation as part of the Reviving the River of Grass Project, 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 from willing sellers, acquisition of private easements, or by swapping for existing non-essential Stale-owned lands to acquire the footprint needed to effectively store, treat and convey water south through the Everglades Agricultural Area. 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 10IPage Last Revised 11/18/14 that if the Initial Non-Exclusive Option is exercised, will expire in October 2020. b. The University of 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. c. 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 it is not discharged to Lake Okeechobee or to 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. The District is continuing to explore other dispersed water storage projects. In order for this 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 with a plan to meet a certain volume of managed storage to provide the desired outcome. 6. Implement projects and programs funded under State legislative appropriations for the Caloosahatchee basin including the 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. Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon, and Caloosahatchee River and estuary, lllPage 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) Marine Laboratory is seeking funding to deploy two new RECON/LOBO sensors in the Caloosahatchee estuary; upgrade the original nitrogen and phosphorus sensors with current technology on three existing LOBO units and cost share 8 flow monitoring stations with the USGS. This suite of 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 sea grass restoration within the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. The Northern Estuaries Resource Recovery pilot program was deSigned to re-establish vital estuarine habitats of shellfish and submerged aquatic vegetation (SA V) beds within the Northern Estuaries; St. Lucie/Indian River Lagoon and Caloosahatchee Estuary. The Senate Select Committee recommended, and the Legislature approved, appropriating $500,000 for each estuary to support the program, for a total of $1 million. The intent of this program is to replace critical ecosystem components such as oyster reefs and SA V that were lost by the high volume 2013 discharges to the northern estuaries. Tasks 2 and 4 seek to replace (restore) habitats damaged beyond repair to a pre-20l3 level. Tasks 3 and 5 of this program seek to build resiliency by providing a source of healthy reefs and SAV for future restoration projects. OTHER REGIONAL PROGRESS I. Caloosahatchee Visioning Program/Community Forum Update. Progress towards developing a regional/y-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 I P age Last'Revised 11/18/14 these interviews was to collect information from local stakeholders on what they thought were the restoration priorities for the Caloosahatchee and the process that should be followed to implement restoration. Following the interviews a science-based Caloosahatchee Ecological Indicators workshop was convened. This workshop was 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. A final report of the proceedings was submitted to the SFWMD by the Florida Gulf Coast University Watershed Institute. The Caloosahatchee Visioning Program has now morphed into an interagency group made up of state and local agencies, utilities, and other effected parties that have been tasked with developing consensus on a list of priority projects to address water storage and water quality within 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. Discussion of policy-related issues of how the Caloosahatchee is managed has been precluded, b. The interagency team has developed a preliminary list of Caloosahatchee River Watershed Priority Projects. Two lists 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 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Basin Management Plan (BMAP) Compliance a. Lee County and other stakeholders (Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), City of Ft 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 13IPage Last Revised 11/18/14 140,853 Ibs/yr for the first five-year Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). Lee County's Conservation 2020'Iands buying program has a total of 12,313 acres within the Caloosahatchee River watershed. Lee County in partnership with other local government agencies has constructed water quality treatment amenities on conservation lands. The Conservation 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. The Lee County Division of Natural Resources [LCDNR) in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Services has implemented public education programs for do-it-yourself landscapers as well as the professional landscape community to prevent vegetative waste and fertilizer runoff pollution. Under our National Pollution Discharge Elimination System [NPDES) permit, LCDNR provides public education and regulatory enforcement for development-related activities within Lee County. Lee County receives 20,445 Ibs/yr [15%) total nitrogen reduction credit toward the BMAP obligations for public education programs and existing fertilizer ordinance. 141 P age Last Revised 11/18/14 DRAFT (10/20/14) Watershed Projects List Information contained in the attached tables (one for regional projects, the other for local projects) reflects project data developed for the 2012 update of the Caloosahatchee River Watershed Protection Plan and infonnation provided by local governments. The infonnation has been updated to reflect project status as of summer 2014. It has also been updated to include results from implementers' individual assessments of each project's relative importance. Project Phase has been categorized as: Near-tenn to reflect projects anticipated to be completed within the next 5 years, Long-tenn to reflect projects that are anticipated to be completed in 5 years or longer, and Ongoing to reflect activities that are anticipated to span both near-and long- term. Category Projects which are located in or will affect more than one county have been categorized as Regional. The remaining projects are categorized as Local. Agency reflects the principle agency(s) responsible for the implementation of the project. Estimate Cost reflects the most current estimate provided by the agency and reflects the costs needed to complete the project. Funded-designates if there is adequate funding currently in budget to complete project through construction. A "Partial" designation is given where a portion or phase of project has been completed or funded. 151Page last Revised 11/18/14 Project/Activity C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir Project C-43 Water Quality Treatment and Demonstration Project (BOMA Property) Lake Hicpochee North Hydrologic Enhancement Project Babcock Ranch Preserve Water Storage Project SR 29 Improvements Caloosahatchee River Watershed Projects REGIONAL PROJECTS Description CERP campon-ent involves an above-grouod reservoir (170,000 ,ac·ft capacity) located south of the CR and west of the Ortona Lock (5-78): this wlli comprise a significant portion qf total water storage requirement far the C-43 Bash - Project fs expected to provide multiple benefits including flood con1rol. recreation, habitat enhancement and water recharge. The project will provide-for timed releases of water to the estuary aryd will hav,e O&M costs aSSOCiated with the pumping operatiofll'i. TM objective of this project is to demonstrate and implement cost effective wetland~based strategies for reducing TN load. and oUiet constituents including TP and TSS, to the Caloosahatchee River and its downstream estuarine ecosystems, Special attention will be gIven to reducing dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) as it constitutes the most abundant aM recalcitrant fuffil of TN in the Caloosahatchee River. This is a mulU-phased project involving bioassays, mesocosms, test cells, and freid-scale cens to test, optimize. and demonstrate wetland-based technology effectiveness ultimately leading to implementation of a tun sized treatinent facility. It is envisioned that information gained from this project wlU be appliCable to other South Florida Systems. The channelization of the Caloosahatchee River in the 1800's the lake and bisectedjtinto two distinct parts. north and south. The objective of this project is to enhance the hydrology of lake Hicpochee North with ancillary beneflts of habitat restoration and water quality improvements, Phase I involves construction of a shallow storage feature on approximalely 640 acres of land and construction of a spreader canal to deliver water to Lake Hicpochee North. Phase 11 involves the acquisition of an additional 2.454 acres for use as a flow equalization basin. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits induding flood control. habitat enhancement and water recharge. Project purpose is to reduce stormwater runoff to the CaJoosahatchee River originating from approximately 4,220 acres of watershed located in the southwest portion of the Babcock Ranch State Preserve. The project will provide shallow water storage by improving existing berms. constructing new berms. modifying existing water control structl,lres and installing new water control structures. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, habitat enhancement and water recharge, Project Status In April 2011, a Record of Decision was issued by the USACE and an approved Project Implementation Report was submitted to the U.S. Congress. Project was authorized in June 2014. Funding to construct an interim p.i-oject at the sIte was appropriated by the Florida Legislature in 2014. In late 2012. a conceptual design for a testing facility was completed. Fuli engineering design and pennitting of lhe testing facility is contingent upon funding. The District will be performing the bloassays and mesocosms study in FY15 and 16. DeSign activities for Phase I are ongoing and constructIon is scheduled to begin by June 2015. Phase II requires land acquisition and the design and construction of the FEB. DeSign to be conducted in FY14115; funded by DACS. Construction funding ......,11 be required In FY15f16. AddltJonal stormwater improvements to be incorporated into SR 29 road l Project in design. Construction anticiP.sted within next 5 years. Improvements located between the City of LaBelle and US 27. FDOT is wilting to collaborate with other entities for project enhancements. last Revised 11/18/14 long~term long-term Short-term (Phase I) Near·term Near·term Regional State USACOE Regional SFWMD. l.ee County Regional SFWMD Regional TBO Regtonai FDOT $452m Phase 1 $18m $8.100,000 (des. & canst.) Phase I $17.200.000 (funded) Phase II $18,600.000 {acq.) $1.200.000 (des. & const.) 16 I P age' Funded? Partial $18m Pending $1.5m Grant FOEP y Partial y Project/Activity West Caloosahatchee Water Quality Treatment Area (C~43 reservoir site) Carios Waterway Conveyance Lee-Charlotte County Border Area Hydrologic Improvement Caloosahatchee River Watershed Projects . REGIONAL PROJECTS Description Project consists Of a water quality facUity in association with C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir sile to treat reservoir water to reduce nutlient concentrations from the eRE and nutrient pollutant 10ading downstream. PrOject is expected to provide multiple benefits including habitat enhancement, recreation and water quality improvements. The project Is expected to have O&M costs associated with pumping operatlons. - use an existing waterway owned by District to-convey water from C-43 West Basin '='Klli:l91::1 Reservoir into the Caloosahatchee. The purpose 01 this project is to enhan~ the hydrOlOgy of Lake Hicpochee South by redirecting storm water through upland and wetland areas rather than a canal. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control. habitat enhancement, and water quality improvements. The project is expected to ,have O&M costs associated with pumping operations, This project involves reconnecting and improving-the_ hydrology of the area through the_construction of a series of filter marshes and weirs with-In and adjacent to the FPL transmission line. The project will create a _conveyance system that during the rarny'season Will. function to connect multiple watersheds within the corridor. It wiU 'a!Jow excess water from one watershed to flow to the next watershed via a series of filter marshes providing water treatment and storage before entering the CRE. I'roject Status Project was inclMed in the Southwest Florida ComprehenSive Watershed Plan; however there has not been any additional design or funding. 1,500 acres was retained in ownership by the SFWMD for potential- , fUture water quality treatment. Funding to initiate a conceptual design study is required, A conceptual design study is-required. implementation evaluation report Drainage District and Hendry Hilliard Water Control District to refine portions of the 2008 report in order to integrate existing infrastructure where possible to maximize the cost-effectiveness uf the project Project requires fundlflg for design and construction, Land is in public ownership. Will require collaboration with local 298 A conceptual design study _is required. It IS unknown at this pOint if land acquisition will be required. The project \Nil! require collaboration with FPL and multiple land owners. It is anticipated to take 15 years to fully implement, but could be constructed in phases. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, habitat enhancement, w~er quality improvements and water recharge. ~== Project includes cqnstructlng distributed reservoirs on 7,500 acres of private properties. wlth the potential 10 create 1 00,000 ac~ft of above ground storage, Project could be expected to to allow for dry season releases. It is associated with pumping operations. Last Revised 11{18/14 Category/ Funded? N Regional Long~term TBD N _ : Long~term Regional TaD Regional Long~term $4.5000,000 TBD (const.) $40o_.000 N (feas.} $2,000.000 Long~term Regional (desi:gn) Lee County $5.000.000 (aoo.) $12.600.000 N Regional long~terrn TaD 17/P3ge Project/Activity Caloosahatchee Storage -Additional Project C-43 Distributed Reservoirs Project Caloosahatehee Ecoscape Water Quality Treatment Area Project ASR on Public lands Tape Grass (Vallisneria americana) Plantings Upstream of S-79 Project Oxbow Restoration Tape Grass Plantings below S-79 Caloosahatchee River Watershed Projects REGIONAL PROJECTS Description Project creates 50,000 ac-ft of aboveground storage in Caloosahatchee River Watershed. Project could be designed to allow for dry season releases. [t is expected to have O&M costs associated with pumping operations. Project involves construction of multiple storage reservoirs to capture excess runoff for use to meet both environmental flows to the eRE and agricultural demands. Project could be designed to allow for dry season releases. It is expected to have O&M costs associated with pumping operations. Project consists of a constructed wetland designed for optimal removal of TN from the eRE. Conceptual project developed to reduce nutrient pollutant loading downstream. Strategy of this effort was 10 formulate both structural and non-structural features. Development of Aquifer Storage and Recovery arrays en public lands to capture surplus waterflow in watershed. Potentiallocatlons include BOMA property and Babcock Ranch Preserve. Project Status Further study required to develop project(s) Assumes the acquisition of approximately 3.500 acres. Further study required to develop project(s). Assumes the acquisition of approximately 6,600 acres. Project was included in the Southwest Florida Comprehensive Watershed Plan (formerly Southwest Ronda Feasibility Study), which is in the process of being completed; however, there has not been any additional design or funding work performed. Further study required to develop project(s). It is expected to have O&M costs associated with pumpingiiii~I~~~~~~~! District study heJps reestablish viable tape grass seed stock for future populations in the upper eRE. The goal is to create a viable tape grass seed stack in the upper eRE; test two genetic strains of South Florida tape grass for surviva!. growth, and flower and seed production for two years: and determine how long enclosures need to remain in place to ensure survivaL Project involves the restoration of remnant oxbows within the Galoosahatchee River. Project would Involve limited dredging of the former river .channel and restoration/preservation of adjacent littoral vegetation. Approximately 40 oxbows have been identified for restoration. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including recreation, habitat enhancement, and water quality improvements Involves the restoration and enhancement of +/-1 ,200 acres of historic submerged aquatic vegetation (tape grass) in the oligohaline littoral zones of the Caloosahatchee River below S-79. The project will involve the planting and establishment of between 16-20 large ''founder colonies" in the upper estuary and tnbutaries to restore fish and wildlife habitat and serve as a seed bank for recovery of historic distribution and density of tape grass. In 2011, cages were monitored weekly in June and bimonthly in July and August; to date. cages are holding up well. The Lake Trafford plants/cages are showing Significantly more growth at both sites compared to those in Lake Kennedy. In August, spread outside of the cages and new growth in the cages was observed at Site 2 for lake Kennedy treatments. Funding for additional planting and monitOring was appropriated for P{14-15. Several oxbows are publicly owned. Could involve collaboration with multiple public and pnvate entities. Project budget for Oxbow2:4 was $500.000. Estimated nutrient removal cost was $1401lbs TN, $3,500Ilbs TP There is no local sponsor for this project. Project was submitted for RESTORE funding. last Revised 11/18/14 Phase Long-term long-term leng-term Long-term Near-term long-term Long-term Categoryl Agency Regional TBO Regional TBD Regional TBD Regional TBO Regional SFWMD, lee County Regional TBO Regjonal TBD Estimated Cost $500.000 per oxbow $2,312,900 18 I P age Funded? N N N N Partial N N Project/Activity Hams Marsh Improvements - Phase III (West Marsh) Project Nalle Grade Stormwater Park Project Ford Canal Filter Marsh (Ford Street 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 Project Status Project involves an existing 578-acre ECWCD stormwater treatment AI! necessary lands have been acquired. Project design is currently facility. Phase III includes designing the West Marsh (additional 202+1-underway. acres) to expand the marsh treatment facility. This will reduce freshwater discharges to the Caloosahatchee River (via the Orange The project involves oollaboration with multiple agencies including River) and provide water quality treatment. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, FDOT as a potential source for construction funding. recreation, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge Lee County project proposes to restore/modify an existing degraded Project is in design and permitting. $500,000 in Legislative funding marsh system and design a stormwater relention facility to minimize was appropriated. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2016. flooding in the Bayshore Creek Watershed. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits includin9 flood control, habitat enhancement. water quality improvements and water recharge. City of Fort Myers project creates a filter marsh to improve overall Phase 1 complete, Phase 2 awarded with construction to begin in Quality of storm water discharging into Billy Creek; marsh is intended to August 2014 and Phase 3 is being permitted. work collectively with other treatment areas along Billy Creek and its tributaries. Project creates a treatment marsh designed to divert and treat low flows from low-level rain events using a diversion weir. Project provides ecosystem restoration through hydrologic and water Easement is required. Project has been permitted: constructiOn is quality improvements in Fichter's Creek, and provides flood protection planned to begin in FY16. for neighboring areas; components include 3.2 acres of lakes, three dry detention areas (7.1 acres), culvert installatjon! replacement. filter marsh creation, and berm work. Project IS expected to provide multiple benefits includmg flood control, habitat enhancement and water recharge Project involves increasing stonnwater storage capaCity and Project is designed and permitted. Scheduled to begin construction groundwater recharge in the Southwest area of Lehigh Acres by by the end of 2014. constructing 27 weirs. ParUal funding is in place (FOEP $1.2m) and the rest is being worked Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control. on with an agreement from FOOT for the SR 82 widening projecl water quality improvements and water recharge. Project includes the canal widening and construction of littoral zones No land acquisition is required. Project is designed and permitted. along three miles of Hickey Creek Canal. Construction is waiting on funding and a project source to take the fill Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, material removed. habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water storage. Project provides additional water quantity storage within existing canal Project permitted and designed, construction projected in FY2015. right-of-way to help provide more slormwater storage in the 5.5 mile FDOT providing funding through SR82 expansion. section of Hendry Extension Canal. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control and water recharge. last Revised 11/18/14 Funded? N Local Near-Term I $6,000,000 ECWCD , Partial Local $3,300,000 Near-term (design & Lee County cons.} Local , N Near-term $2,000,000 FL Myers 1 -I N Local Lee County I $1,400,000 Near-term (canst.) 1 Partial Local Near-term $1.200,000 ECWCO (canst.) Local 1 1 N Near-term ECWCD 1 y Local $6,000,000 Near-term ECWCO (canst) 191Page Hydrologic Restoration of Project will serve to restore the natural sheet flow and possibly impound Phase I involving the restoration of fanner agricultural fields was Local Partial Bob Janes Preserve water within the abandoned farm fields to allow aquifer recharge, completed in 2014. The second phase is awaiting construction $600,000 reduce high flows in a manmade ditch (lighter Canal) during the wet funds. No land acquisition is required. Near~Term (canst.) season. Lee County Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge, Hydrologic Restoration of The historical site nydrology and ecosystem have been significantly Pnase I, the impoundment, is permitted and will undergo Partial Six Mile Cypress Slough altered. Water from potions of the preserve has been diverted north construction during 2014. Additional construction funds will be Preserve ~ North into the Orange River, rather than south into Six Mile Cypress Slough. needed to complete the project phase. Phase II, the rehydration of Restoration of historic flows could benefit Six Mile Cypress Slough and the western cypress dome, is being permitted and will be constructed Local reduce the amount of water flowing into the Orange River and ultimately with financial help by the Florida Department of Transportation. Near~term $1.000,000 the Caloosahatchee River. Phase lII, will require the deSign, permitting and construction of a Lee County Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood conlrol, flowway which will bring water to Phase 1 of the project. recreation, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge. Hydrologic Restoration of The project area Is a former marsh that was disturbed when covered No land acquisition is required. The project has been deSigned and Y Caloosahatchee Creeks with fill during the dredging of the Caloosahatchee River in the 1950s. permitted. Local Preserve The project will cut a meandering stream channel through the spoil in Near-term $650,000 the location near a historic channel and rehydrate former wetlands. (cons,) Project is expected to provide muttiple benefits including habitat lee County enhancement, water quality Improvements and water recharge. Hydrologic Restoration of This project will help to restore the natural sheet flow from the BOO~acre No land acquisition is required. The project requires further design. Y Telegraph Creek palmetto prairie and wet prairie/hydric flatwoods system into Telegraph Preserve Creek where ditches were installed by previous owners to help drain this portion of the preserve. Geowebbing andlor culverts will be installed local along existing management trails that are eroding into the creek. The Near~lerm $500,000 existing swale where the water formerly would have flowed to the creek (cons.) will be graded and cleaned out. The washouts will be recontoured and Lee County plantings wi!! be installed to reduce further soil erosion into the creek. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge, Ft. Myers Centra! Sewer Septic tank conversion to central sewer to reduce nutrient loading ·m the The project is tentatively scheduled for FY 2016~2017 based on Local $11,000,00 N Expansion watershed and expand reclaimed water from 6 MGD to 11 MGD. The funding availability Neaf~Term 0 project area is located within the city limits east of 1·75. Ft Myers Ranch Lakes Estates Sepoc tank conversion to central sewer located at Ranch Lakes Estates The wastewater improvement project includes the preliminary N Central Sewer Project in Moore Haven. Involves the construction of additional gravity sewer engineering services, design, permitting and construction. Local coJlection system in the Moore Haven downtown and Ranch Lakes Near~term Glades $350,000 Estates area adjacent to the Caloosahatchee River to homes now served by individual private old and failing septic systems. County This project will reduce nutrient loading to the Caloosahatchee Basin. Jacks BranchlCounty Project involves improvement of water flow within Jacks Branch AJI necessary land has been acquired. The project has been N Une Ditch watershed and modification of the County Une Ditch by widening the designed and permitted. Requires construction funding. Local $3,600,000 ditch and providing weirs for increased water storage and treatment. Near-Term Hendry (const.) Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control. Could be constructed in conjunction with Babcock Ranch Preserve County water quality improvements and water recharge. Project 20 I P age last Revised 11/18/14 City of LaBelle Project includes stormwater conveyance and water quality storage. The C-5 portion of the city's 2004-Master Stormwater Plan was Local N Stormwater Master Plan improvements in the City of LaBelle. completed in 2010. These stonnwa(er management improvements Implementation inclUded retrofitting storrnwater catch basins and adding vegetative Near-Term swals treatment. Funding required to continue destgF-l and LaBelle construction of addfti-onal pro}ects. North Ten Mile Cana! Project provides--stormwater storage and treatment for an urban and FOEP permit is being reviewed for a modffication. Pro~ scheduled . Local I $4<500,000 N Stormwater Treatment commercial area wlthJhe CIty-of Ft, Myers. It Is intended to mirlimiZe to begin in next 'five years -NeaHerm System Project peak flows and enhance water qua!ity within' Manuel's Branch: and .. ,< Carrell Canal. ' Ft Myers SunniiandlNlne Mile Run I Project involves the restoration of historical flows to Buckingham Tri:lils Requires lalid acquisition. Project design scheduled durlng FY14115 $50,000 N Drainage Improvements Preserve. ,Consists of the rehydration of the pr9&erve through the with'construction in FY15J16. (acq.) removal of manmade alterations to correct the natural sheetflow and Local $100,000 hydrology. Near-tenn PJOj.ect is expected to provide 'multiple benefits fncluding flood control. Lee-Caunly (des.) $300.000 habitat enhancement and water recharge. (con.) Yellow Fever Project invoNes the hYdrologlc-restoratlon-of the historical flows to the Conceptual design Is complete. Permitting to begin in FY15 pending Local N Creek/Gator Slough headwaters ofyet\ow Fever Creek. Project includes the construction 01 furtber coordinallon between lee County and City of Cape Coral. $671,000 Transfer Facility Profect an interconnection faci~ity between Gator Slough Canal and YelloW Near-terrn (design & Fever Creek to transfer surface waters during high flow. Flows arE;!: Lee County currently intercepted by Gator Slough Canal and redirected to Matfacha oons.) Pass. '. Cape Coral Billy Creek-Restoration Removal of exotic vegetation and dredging of BJllys Creek. Project Is permitted. Project to begin in FY2016. Local I y Dredging Near-term $680,000 R. Mye", Moore Haven Canal Deepening and widening of Moore Haven Canal. wm pffJIIlde sediment State and federal permits have been approved. Partially funded in Local I $12'';:''',00 Partial Dredging reduction. an Increase in wetland habitat and water quality benefits to FY13-14. Near-tenn Glades the Caloosahatchee River ='roject m"~lves modtflcations within Greenbriar SWamp and to the Project Is lnctuded in the eCWCD FY2014-FY2018 Capital Local connecting canallsweihg system to increase surface water' connectivity fmprovement Plan. Project requires further design work. and storage Within the-swamp, thereby reducing freshwater discharge Long"",,,,, to the Caloosahatche_8 River via Hickey's Creek, ECWCD Pl:tiject is expe<;ted to provide mu!tiple benefrts including f100d-'_control, Lee County habitat enhancement and water recharge. Section 10 Storage Project Includes modifying an exiSting mine pit to allow for additional Requires land acqulsJtion. Project requires further design werle Local I $6.500,000 I N Project surface water storage in the ECWCD Water Management System; also. Long~term includes improvements to the connecting canals. control structures, and a pump station. ECWCD Hendry County Storage Project cOnsists of the construction of shatlow water storage facility to Project was included in the ECWCD FY2010-FY2014 Capita! N Project help reduce nutrient loading t() the eRE. Improvement Plan. ECWCO has evaluated three sites for POSSible Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood controf, acquisition. Local habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water (echarge. Funding will be required for land acquisition. design and LOOg..f.enn The project is expected to have the capability of providing timed releases of water to the estuary. ft will be expected to have OaM costs construction. ECWCD associated With pumping .operations. 211 P age last Revised 11/18/14 Spanish Creek Preserve Project involves the acquisition of agricultural lands to create shallow Phase 1 involving the rehydration of a portion of Ruby Daniels Local $14,800,00 PartIal Restoration water storage and wetland flow-way to rehydrate the Ruby Daniels Preserve was completed in 2014, Design and acquisition of 0 Preserve at Spanish Creek. approximately 640 acres land Is required to construct the storage Long-Term (aeq. des. Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, and complete rehydration of Spanish Creek. lee County const.) habitat enhancement, water Quality improvements and water recharge. lehigh Wetland Undeveloped lots will be purchased to restore remnant wetlands Funding needed to initiate Ihe project $70,000,00 N Restoration through the construction of one weir. Project is approximately 710 Local 0 acres located in the Greenbriar Swamp area. Lon94erm Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, Muttiple (aeq. des. & habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge. const.) Mirror Lakes Multi-phase project intended to rehydrate Mirror Lakes (aka Halfway Phase I (rehydrate Mirror Lakes) compieted October 2012 to include local Phase II: Partial Storage/Rehydration Pond), reduce peak flaw discharges to the Orange River, and restore a pump station and approximately 1,000 acre-ft of storage. Phase II $300,000 Project flows to the headwaters of the Estero River. and II! involves moving water south under SR 82, and is in the (canst) Project is expected to provide multipte benefits including flood control, planning and preliminary design stage. Lon9~term ECWCD habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge. FOOT Phase III: SFWMD TBD Cape Coral Canal Project uses ASR wells in Cape Coral to overcome water shortfall in the Three ASR wells were constructed in 2007; however, cyt;le testing Local Partial Stormwater Recovery by dry season and provide flood attenuation in the wet season, has not started and construction of pumping stations and associated Aquifer Storage Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, connections is not anticipated until 2015 due to budgetary Long-term and Recover (ASR) water quality improvements and water recharge_ constraints. Cape Coral Project Stumper Jumper Ranch Project involves the acquisition and restoration of 149 acres of Project design and acquisition required. Former Lee County N Land Acquisition disturbed land located within the Spanish Creek watershed in northeast Conservation 20120 nomination, Local Lee County, Long~tenn $1,482,250 Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control, lee County (aeq.) habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and water recharge Lehigh Acres Project involves installing stormwater treatment features in Lehigh Nearly 100 single family homes in Lehigh Acres have been N Wastewater Treatment Acres, updating current stormwater management system, and connected to the centralized wastewater treatment plant since 2009. and Stormwater Retrofit converting high--density septic tanks to centralized wastewater $197,238,3 Project treatment. Includes the conversion of 12,666 septic tank systems to Local central sewer. Project requires funding to continue. 50 Long-term Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including flood control Multiple (sewer and water Quality improvements. component) The project is expected to have O&M costs associated with the central sewer system. Fort Myers~Cape Coral Project includes installing a 20-lnch diameter transmission line from Fort The feasibility study completed in 2010 found that constructing a Local Partial Reclaimed Water Myers Treatment Plant to Cape Coral Reclamation Treatment Plant. disposal well was a less expensive near-term option; however, Interconnect Project This is intended to help prevent discharging 9 mgd treated water into project is still desirable as a long-term option. Legislative funding for Long-term Cape Coral the eRE. additional study was appropriated for FY14-15. Ft. Myers Cape Coral Wastewater City of Cape Coral utility expansion project to convert septic systems to Project on-going. Next scheduled area is located in Northwest N Treatment and gravity sewers and replace older stormwater inlets with newer inlets Sector outside of Caloosahatchee watershed. Stormwater Retrofit designed to assist stormwater management. Includes improvements to Loca! Project existing sewer system and incorporation of roadside swale into Long-term drainage system. Cape Corat Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including water quality improvements, water reuse and water recharge. 22 I P age last Revised 11/18/14 Shoemaker-Zapata Project includes installing welrtwater control structures to Increase Additional study required Local N Canal Stormwater channel storage and provide peak flow attenuation. It will enhance Long-term Treatment Project water quality and reduce erosion and siltation into Billy Creek. Ft Myers Winkler Canal Treatment Project creates a treatment marsh designed to divert and treat low flows Project has been permitted but is on· hold pending funding for land Local N Marsh Project from low-level rain events using a diversion weir. acquisition. Long-term Northem Everglades -NE..pES solicitation is an innovative approach that allows cattle Rrst solicitation: 8 projects under contract. none within the Regional· Y Payment ranchers to deliver environmental services for water and nutrient Caloosahalchee Watershed. Second solicitation: 2 proiects are Dispersed $2,000,000 for Environmental retention. The goa! Is to establish relationships via contracts with private within the Caloosahatchee Watershed. The Mudge Ranch project, Water Both Services landowners to obtain water management selVices of water and nutrient located in Glades County north of the Caloosahatchee River, is Ongoing Mgmt. Projects (NE..pES) Program retention to reduce flows and nutrient loads to lake Okeechobee and operational. The Babcock Property Holdings project located in the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. Charlotte County, is being negotiated. Combined SFWMD Dispersed Water Utilize fallow/out-of--Pfoduction citrus lands to store water and attenuate The District entered into a cooperative agreement with Guff Citrus Regional Y Management Water nutrients. To determine the overall feasibility of the water farming Growers Association to assess the feaSibility of water farming. The Dispersed Farming Assessment concept, information with respect to environmental benefits gained feasibility study was completed in December 2013. Funding for Water compared to the cost estimates associated with on~site construction, further implementation is not available at this time. Ongoing Mgmt TBD infrastructure improvements, environmental assessments, and facility maintenance needs to be evaluated. SFWMD Dispersed Water Parcels scheduled to become regional restoration projects present an Interim lands in the Caloosahatchee Watershed include BOMA and y Management Interim opportunity to provide water retention through interim, low-cost C-43 reservoir site. Regional Sites alterations to the existing surface water management systems. These Dispersed parcels would then provide an interim role of contributing to the Water $700,000 watershed resloration effort while the final designs are completed and approved, If the public lands are being leased, then water management Ongoing Mgmt. strategies will be jointly developed WIth the lessees to reduce discharges while not adversely affecting flood protection (including SFWMD adjacent properties) and water quality. Urban BMPs: Urban The Urban Fertilizer Rule is an FDACS rule that regulates the content of Since 2009, the UF/IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhood Program Regional y Fertilizer Rule phosphorus and nitrogen in urban turf fertilizers to improve water has expanded from a homeowner approach to cover a broader [Lake Okeechobee quality. The Florida Yards and Neighbors Program provides education audience (e.g .. builders, developers, architects). Source Estuary and Recovery to citizens by promoting land use designs to minimize pesticides, Ongoing Control (LOER)] & Florida Yards fertilizers, and irrigation water. and Multiple Neighborhoods Program Recyclable Water Project uses agricultural or ather lands to provide temporary storage, Project was included in the Southwest Florida Comprehensive N Containment Areas remove nutrients, and treat agricultura! stormwater runoff which will help Watershed Plan (former1y Southwest Florida Feasibility Study). Project reduce nutrient loading to the eRE. Involves the construction of which is in the process of being completed. Regional earthen berms to retain up to twa feet of water storage. Would remain Ongoing operational approximately 5 years, then returned to agricultural production. Funding for design and construction will be required. Additionally, TBD Project is expected to provide multiple benefits including water reuse partnerships will be required to implement. and water recharge. It is expected to have O&M costs. 23 I P age last Revised 11/18/14 Agricultural BMPs-Implements agricultural BMPs and water quality Improvement projects Tolal agricultural acreage In the Caloosahatchee Watershed is Regional Y Owner Implemented. to reduce the discharge of nutrients from the watershed. approximately 476,568 acres. Approximately 71 percent of this Source Funded Cosl~Share, and acreage is enrolled in owner Implemented 8MPs and have cost-Ongoing Control Cost-Share Future share type BMPs in place. Goal is 100% coverage Funding OACS 24 I P age last Revised 11/18/14