USACE announces public comment on water management deviation from the Combined Operational Plan to lower water levels in WCA-3A

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District announces the opening of public comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a planned, temporary deviation from the 2020 Combined Operational Plan (COP). The COP is a comprehensive, integrated Water Control Plan (WCP) for the southern portion of the Central & Southern Florida (C&SF) Project – including Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA-3A), Everglades National Park (ENP), and the South Dade Conveyance System (SDCS). Public engagement is encouraged, and comments are due Monday, November 6.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (Corps) has prepared a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) EA and proposed FONSI for the planned, temporary deviation from the 2020 COP. The proposed planned, temporary deviation is being pursued to address the current water level concerns in WCA-3A and potential El Niño conditions in early 2024.

The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided correspondence between October 11 and October 16, 2023, requesting that the Corps consider a deviation from the COP WCP to take additional actions to lower water levels in WCA-3A. The Corps, in coordination with agency partners, is proposing a planned temporary deviation to allow the S-343A, S-343B, S-12A and S-12B structures to be open until the WCA-3A stage recedes below Zone A of its regulation schedule or December 31, 2023, whichever occurs first. The proposed deviation would also allow the Corps to open structures S-343A, S-343B, S-12A and S-12B for an additional 90 days, not necessarily consecutively, if water levels are in Zone A of the regulation schedule between January 1, 2024 and July 14, 2024. This would allow the Corps to have additional capacity to manage water levels in WCA-3A during potential El Niño conditions in early 2024, which can bring more rain than normal during the winter and spring.

Under the COP WCP, the S-343A and S-343B are closed on October 1, and the S-12A and S-12B are closed by November 1 and December 1, respectively. These structures are allowed to reopen on July 14, pursuant to the COP WCP. The Corps may also reduce or end the proposed deviation prior to achieving the above criteria based on weather forecasts, the recession rate in WCA-3A, and C&SF system conditions. The proposed deviation actions for the structures are provided in the EA Appendix A. The Corps has completed informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure the proposed planned temporary deviation can be implemented quickly to provide benefits to listed species in WCA-3A and minimize ecological impacts, while minimizing long-term effects to CSSS habitat in subpopulation Ax.

The Corps has prepared an EA and Proposed FONSI that will accompany the proposed planned, temporary deviation request to the Corps’ South Atlantic Division for review and decision following review of public input.

This news release announces a 7-day public review period soliciting comments for consideration prior to finalization of the NEPA document. The Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact for the 2023 Planned Temporary Deviation Due to Water Levels in Water Conservation Area 3A in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, Florida are available for review and public comment below: (note: large files may take a few minutes to download).

2023 to 2024 Planned Temporary Deviation to Lower Water Levels in Water Conservation Area 3A
Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed FONSI 


Notice of Availability

Draft EA and Proposed FONSI

Draft Appendix A

Draft Appendix B

Draft Appendix C

Draft Annex A

The Corps requests that comments be submitted to COPdeviation@usace.army.mil no later than Monday, November 6 (Recommended Subject: “2023 Planned Temporary Deviation for WCA-3A”).

The Corps appreciates the ongoing efforts of the public to stay informed and remain engaged in our projects. The feedback that we receive from stakeholders and members of the public provides important local knowledge that informs our decision-making process.

The COP is a comprehensive, integrated WCP for the southern portion of the C&SF project – including WCA-3A, ENP, and the SDCS. Planning efforts for the COP were initiated in 2017, to coincide with completion of the Modified Water Deliveries to ENP and the C-111 South Dade Projects. The WCP was implemented September 1, 2020, after completion and approval of the WCP and the Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Combined Operational Plan (COP) is available for reference at: www.saj.usace.army.mil/COP. To view, scroll down to the middle of the webpage and remember that large files may take a few minutes to download.

The purpose of the COP is to define operations for the constructed features of the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park and Canal 111 South Dade Projects, while maintaining the congressionally authorized purposes of the C&SF Project which include flood control (now referred to as “flood risk management”), navigation, water supply, recreation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife, drainage and water control, groundwater recharge, preservation of Everglades National Park, and prevention of saltwater intrusion. The proposed action within the Final EA would occur within the Everglades of southeastern Florida in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

USACE requests public comments and hosts virtual meeting Feb. 24 on draft documents for the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP) Increment 1 Temporary Deviation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District requests public comment on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP) Increment 1 Temporary Deviation, Osceola and Polk counties, Florida. The project non-Federal sponsor is the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Comments are due March 7.

A virtual informational meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 24, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity for formal public comment during the meeting.

Virtual meeting on Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP)
Increment 1 Temporary Deviation
Feb. 24 1-2:30 p.m.

https://usace1.webex.com/usace1/j.php?MTID=m59cf7676b92eb6fcf777df73451ea8b4
Meeting number (access code): 2764 566 9088
Meeting password: 4$ArpM@
Join by phone
+1-844-800-2712 US Toll Free
+1-669-234-1177 US Toll

USACE invites the participation of Federal and State agencies, Native American Tribes, local agencies, interested parties and individuals in providing comments on the draft EA and proposed FONSI, which are available for review at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Deviations/. Comments are due March 7.

Kissimmee River Restoration Project, Increment 1 Temporary Deviation

Draft EA and Proposed FONSI

Draft Environmental Assessment and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact

Notice of Availability

Notice of Availability, State Clearinghouse

6 Feb 2023 7 March 2023

Emergency Deviation approved to provide relief for WCA-3A

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District announces the approval of an emergency deviation to the Combined Operational Plan (COP) Water Control Plan to provide relief from high water levels in the Everglades on November 3, 2020.

Emergency Deviation to 2020 Combined Operational Plan Water Control Plan
Emergency Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact

Final EA and FONSI

Appendix A

Appendix B

Annex A

 (note: large files may take a few minutes to download).

Emergency Deviation for high water relief in Everglades

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, announces brief public comment on the Draft Emergency Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) associated with an emergency deviation to the Combined Operational (COP) Water Control Plan to provide relief from high water levels in the Everglades. Public comments are due by noon on Monday, November 2.

The Draft Emergency EA and Proposed FONSI associated with an emergency deviation is available for review and comment: (note: large files may take a few minutes to download).

Emergency Deviation to 2020 Combined Operational Plan Water Control Plan
Emergency Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact

Notice of Availability

Draft EA

Proposed FONSI

Appendix A

Appendix B

Annex A

Please submit comments on the Draft Emergency EA and proposed FONSI to Melissa.A.Nasuti@usace.army.mil, by noon on Monday November 2. Please include “Everglades Emergency Deviation Comments” in the subject line of emailed comments.

Approved Planned Deviation from LORS 2008 to reduce risk from Harmful Algal Blooms

2020 Planned Deviation to the Water Control Plan for Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Agricultural Area (LORS 2008)
Glades, Hendry, Martin, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach counties

Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (Oct. 8 2020)

Supplemental EA and FONSI

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C.1

Appendix C.2

Appendix D

NOTE: very large files may take several minutes to open and download.

Public Comment and Webinar on 2020 LORS HAB Deviation Environmental Assessment July 2020 (ARCHIVE)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, announces public comment on the Draft Revised Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the planned deviation from the water control plan for Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades Agricultural Area, also known as the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS 2008) in order to reduce risk from Harmful Algal Blooms. A webinar to provide information regarding the proposed planned deviation is planned for 1 p.m. on July 21. Public comments are due July 30.

The Corps requests that comments on the Draft Revised Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed FONSI be submitted to 2020LORSHABEAComments@usace.army.mil, at your earliest convenience, and not later than July 30, 2020. Please include “2020 LORS HAB EA Deviation Comments” in the subject line of emailed comments.

2020 Planned Deviation to the Water Control Plan for Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Agricultural Area (LORS 2008)
Glades, Hendry, Martin, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach counties
Draft Revised Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact


Supplemental EA and Proposed FONSI

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C.1

Appendix C.2

Appendix D

Comment Response Matrix

Notice of Availability

Proposed LORS HAB Deviation Webinar  
Note: to view the full speaker notes from the July 22, 2020 Webinar presentation, download the document to your computer, click on the arrow to the right, and then click the comment icon.

The Corps will host a webinar to explain the deviation to the public and allow for public comment on July 21 2020 at 1 pm. In order to improve the flow of the webinar and the experience for all attendees, we will follow these guidelines:

Webinar: 2020 LORS HAB Planned Deviation Draft Revised Supplemental EA
July  21, 2020 at 1 p.m.
https://usace.webex.com/usace/j.php?MTID=m9751821f3019d69abd065a1e8614961c
Phone: 877-336-1839
Access Code: 167 972 7
Security Code: 1300

  • All lines except those who are scheduled to speak will be muted during the webinar.
  • During the public comment period at the end of the presentation, users will receive instructions from the facilitator on how to be added to the queue to participate. If you wish to make a public comment, we ask that you also send those comments via email to: 2020LORSHABEAComments@usace.army.mil.
  • Those who cannot attend the online meeting but wish to provide a comment may provide comments by email to: 2020LORSHABEAComments@usace.army.mil.

Public Comment on temporary deviation to Support Kissimmee River Restoration

Corps announces public comment on temporary deviation to support Kissimmee River Restoration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, announces public comment on the draft Expedited Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) associated with a planned temporary deviation to the 1981 Lake Kissimmee, Hatchineha and Cypress Interim Regulation Schedule. Public comments are due March 16.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District is preparing a Draft Expedited National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) associated with a planned temporary deviation to the 1981 Lake Kissimmee, Hatchineha and Cypress (KHC) Interim Regulation Schedule. The planned temporary deviation would raise the low summer pool elevation from 49.0 to 51.0 feet, National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD) in order to better facilitate construction along the Kissimmee River through 2021.

"We want to have the flexibility to hold the lake stages for Lake Kissimmee a little bit higher prior to the start of the wet season," said Dr. Orlando Ramos-Gines, Senior Project Manager. "This will give us the best chance at keeping flows in the Kissimmee River low enough to facilitate the construction on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project while maintaining flood control as our primary purpose."

The Draft Expedited Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) associated with a planned temporary deviation to the 1981 Lake Kissimmee, Hatchineha and Cypress Interim Regulation Schedule is available for review and comment at: www.saj.usace.army.mil/Deviations. (note: large files may take a few minutes to download).
Planned Temporary Deviation 1981 Lake Kissimmee, Cypress, and Hatchineha (KCH) Interim Regulation Schedule
Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact
EA and proposed FONSI
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D

The Corps requests that comments on the Draft Expedited Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed FONSI be submitted to Melissa.A.Nasuti@usace.army.mil, at your earliest convenience, and not later than March 16, 2020. Please include “KHC Deviation Comments” in the subject line of emailed comments.

Comments may also be submitted by March 16 to:
Melissa Nasuti
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Jacksonville District
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019

The 1992 Kissimmee River Restoration (KRR) Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) addressed restoration efforts in both the Upper Basin and Lower Basin of the Kissimmee River watershed, but focused mainly on the Lower Basin. Further analysis of the Upper Basin was included in the 1996 Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Project (HRP) Integrated Project Modification Report and Supplement to the Final EIS. Together, the components outlined in the HRP and in the KRR Feasibility Report and EIS are known as the Kissimmee River Restoration (KRR) Project. The KRR Project was authorized under Section 101(8) of Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 1992, Public Law 102-580. The KRR is sponsored by the Corps and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). After extensive planning, construction for environmental restoration began in 1999. The project is close to completion. Remaining construction includes Kissimmee River backfill and the S-69 U-shaped weir completion. Lake Kissimmee, Hatchineha, and Cypress are regulated by a single structure, S-65, located at the outlet of Lake Kissimmee. S-65 is a spillway located at the head of the C-38 canal (i.e. the Kissimmee River). The lakes are currently regulated between elevations 48.5 and 52.5 feet NGVD, according to the schedule that varies seasonally.

The intent of the planned temporary deviation is to limit Lake Kissimmee releases to no more than 900 cubic feet per second (cfs) in order to facilitate KRR construction in Reach 2, which is located south of S-65. This is necessary because flows greater than 900 cfs as measured at S-65 cause water to rise out of the Kissimmee River bank. The planned temporary deviation will provide operational flexibility to the SFWMD, increasing the likelihood of providing flows within the optimum range for Corps construction.

Over the past three years, construction has been halted when flows from Lake Kissimmee through S-65 are required to provide lake storage for flood control purposes in preparation for the wet season. The planned temporary deviation would provide the SFWMD more flexibility to manage flows in accordance with project. Ultimately, the deviation would provide a 50 percent chance of avoiding the need to increase flows above 900 cfs. The deviation would still allow for a recession to the summer low pool by increasing the low stage requirement from 49.0  to 51.0 feet. The deviation would also provide the SFWMD with the flexibility to begin the recession at any elevation below 52.5 feet and would allow the SFWMD to maintain releases from Lake Kissimmee at or less than 900 cfs. There would be no change to the S-65 release guidance at water levels above flood control releases.

Recession rates to meet fish and wildlife needs would be below the maximum rates of 0.8 feet per month and approximately lower than 0.25 feet per month. Standard fish and wildlife recommendations for dry season operations, dated 2015, would be followed to provide guidance on how to minimize adverse effects of reversals on Everglade snail kite nesting and wading bird foraging.

The planned deviation would alter the timing and volume of S-65 releases to the lower basin of the Kissimmee River. Under the current 1981 Lake Kissimmee, Hatchineha and Cypress Interim Regulation Schedule, all lakes in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are drawn down to their lowest pools around June 1 of each year to provide critical flood storage in preparation for the rainy season. The planned temporary deviation would not provide this typical draw down, but would allow Lake Kissimmee to go up to its peak during the rainy season. The deviation would be in effect through 2021. The Corps Water Management Section's assessment of hydrometeorological conditions and stakeholder or agency input may suspend or discontinue the deviation due to impacts greater than expected/discussed within the EA. Termination of the deviation may be implemented at any time. The decision-making process would include frequent coordination calls with resource agencies to inform changes in Lake KCH management. A draft of the operational strategy will be provided to the public when available.

Additional information on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project is available at: www.saj.usace.army.mil/KRR

Kissimmee River Restoration Fact Sheet: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/4248

Kissimmee River Restoration Placemat: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/4249

Contact: Erica Skolte

561-801-5734 (cell)

Erica.A.Skolte@usace.army.mil

Planned LORS Deviation (2019)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is seeking comments to a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) related to proposed changes to the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS) 2008 that will provide the agency additional water management flexibility at Lake Okeechobee to help address harmful algae blooms (HABs) to the best of its authority.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON PLANNED DEVIATION 2019
 
Submit Public Comment on the draft EA and FONSI related to proposed changes to Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS) 2008 by Friday Sept. 20, 2019, to:
Melissa.A.Nasuti@usace.army.mil
or Jacksonville District Corps of Engineers, 701 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207-8175.

2019 Planned Deviation to the Water Control Plan for Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Agricultural Area (LORS 2008) 
Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed FONSI 
Notice of Availability 
Draft EA 
Proposed FONSI 


PUBLIC COMMENT
2019 Planned Deviation to the Water Control Plan for Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Agricultural Area (LORS 2008) 

Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed FONSI 
Notice of Availability 

Draft EA 
Proposed FONSI

Comments due Sept. 20, 2019 (due date was extended by 15 days because of Hurricane Dorian)
Send comments to: Melissa.a.nasuti@usace.army.mil 
or
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Jacksonville District
701 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207-8175


Due to the urgency of these operational changes, an expedited draft EA and proposed FONSI was prepared to assess environmental impacts associated with this action. The draft EA and proposed FONSI are currently available for a 30 day public and agency review on the Jacksonville District website at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/About/DivisionsOffices/Planning/EnvironmentalBranch/EnvironmentalDocuments.aspx. Look in the folder for "multiple counties" to find the documents for review. Comments will be accepted in writing by mail at Jacksonville District Corps of Engineers, 701 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207-8175. Comments will also be accepted by email at Melissa.a.nasuti@usace.army.mil through Sept. 5, 2019.

The proposed deviation would allow the Corps more flexibility during periods when harmful algae blooms (HABs) are present. The Corps could release less than LORS guidance when blooms are present, in exchange for releasing more than LORS guidance during times when blooms aren’t present. The goal is to release the same net amount of water as would have been released following LORS guidance, but to attempt to minimize risks posed when algal blooms are present.

“We are working closely with our federal, state, and tribal interests to maximize our operational flexibility,” said Col. Andrew Kelly, Jacksonville District Commander.  “We must still meet the Congressionally-authorized project purposes while operating to try to minimize potential health effects associated with harmful algae blooms.”

The Corps proposes to implement the following actions if conditions are met for HAB Operations:
- Within existing flexibility, limit or suspend releases east and west from Lake Okeechobee when HABs are present and LORS guidance allows for releases.
- Limited releases east and west to 2,000 cfs measured at W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam (S-79) near Fort Myers and up to 730 cfs measured at St. Lucie Lock & Dam (S-80) near Stuart.  This would only be applicable when LORS guidance suggests releases of 450 cfs measured at Franklin and 200 cfs measured at St. Lucie.
- Allow the flexibility to make up to maximum practicable releases south to the water conservation areas when LORS guidance does not recommend release (contingent upon conditions).
- Maintain this flexibility until LORS 2008 is replaced by a new water control plan (to be called LOSOM – Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual) estimated for completion in 2022.

These larger releases ahead of time would allow greater flexibility so that less water would need to be released during times when HABs are present in the Lake or Estuaries. The cumulative volume of water released under the planned deviation will be tracked against the volume held back, that would have been released under LORS 2008. The objective is to reach a net zero balance such that the total volume released across a 12 month period is unchanged from the releases that would have taken place under the existing schedule.

HAB operations could be utilized if any one of the following conditions were present:
- If a HAB is currently in Lake Okeechobee, C-43, C-44, the Caloosahatchee Estuary, or the St. Lucie Estuary.
- If the state of Florida declares a state of emergency due to HABs on Lake Okeechobee, C-43, C-44, the Caloosahatchee Estuary, or the St. Lucie Estuary.
- If a HAB is anticipated to occur on Lake Okeechobee, C-43, C-44, the Caloosahatchee Estuary, or the St. Lucie Estuary.
- If a HAB has occurred and caused harm, or has impacted public safety during the last 18 months within Lake Okeechobee, C-43, C-44, the Caloosahatchee Estuary, or the St. Lucie Estuary.

HAB operations could be implemented soon due to increased algal activity already occurring within the system, but conditions will be evaluated according to the operational strategy before action is taken. It is important to note that when the lake is within the Water Shortage Management Band, there would not be any action taken as outlined in the operational strategy. This deviation would be in effect until a new regulation schedule, the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual or LOSOM, is approved.

“We don’t know if or when we would need to implement this deviation, but we need to have the ability to do so when the environmental conditions make it necessary,” said Kelly. “Although the lake seems very low, a not so uncommon eight inch rainfall event in the Kissimmee basin could easily result in a two foot rise in the lake.  In August, that could reasonably be coupled with HABs in multiple locations.  We want to have additional tools in place to discuss options for that type of scenario in the coming weeks. We will continue to work with stakeholders to maintain the right balance for Lake Okeechobee water management.”

The Corps continues coordinating with tribal, state, local, and federal agencies to understand and address the impacts of Lake Okeechobee water management decisions on nearby communities.  These agencies include the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Seminole Tribe of Florida and Everglades National Park.

Water Conservation Area High Water Deviations (Archive)

In coordination with federal, state, and tribal interests, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is implementing temporary operational changes to maximize  operational flexibility and alleviate high water conditions within the water Conservation Areas as a result of heavy precipitation early in the wet season.

High water levels are threatening Everglades’ wildlife and habitat and reducing the water storage available for additional precipitation brought about by wet-season rain and/or tropical events, warranting immediate action.

The Corps is implementing these measures while it continues construction on critical pieces of infrastructure being built as part of the Modified Water Deliveries and C-111 South Dade projects and while maintaining required levels of flood protection and flood mitigation for the region.

These actions will aid in reducing water levels within the water conservation areas while maintaining authorized flood mitigation within the 8.5 Square Mile Area, construction for Modified Water Deliveries and C-111 South Dade projects, and maintain pre-existing flood protection along the L-31N and C-111 canals.  

2018 Temporary Deviations

Note: documents may take a few minutes to load due to large file size

Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for 1) 2018 Planned Temporary Deviation to the 1988 Regulation Schedule for Water Conservation Area (WCA) 2A and 2) 2018 Planned Temporary Deviation to the 2012 Water Control Plan for WCA 3A
Notice of Availability for 2018 Planned Temporary Deviations to WCA 2A and 3A

Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
2018 PLANNED TEMPORARY DEVIATION FROM THE 2012 WATER CONTROL PLAN FOR WATER CONSERVATION AREA 2A
2018 WCA 2A Planned Temporary Deviation EA and FONSI
WCA 2A Appendix A
WCA 2A Appendix B

Environmental Assessment  (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
2018 PLANNED TEMPORARY DEVIATION TO AFFECT RELIEF OF HIGH WATER LEVELS WITHIN WATER CONSERVATION AREA 3A
2018 WCA 3A Planned Temporary Deviation EA and FONSI
WCA 3A Appendix A
WCA 3A Appendix B

View the entire collection of documents:
WCA 2A and 3A EA and FONSI (Collection)

2017 Temporary Deviations

Corps implements new deviations to manage high water in Everglades - August 1, 2017


For the second time this summer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is implementing temporary changes in operations to address high water conditions within the Everglades’ water conservation areas west of the Fort Lauderdale and Miami metro areas.  

The deviation approved on Tuesday (Aug. 1) allows for higher water levels in Water Conservation Area 2A for the rest of summer and the first half of fall.  The dry-season recession will start in November, and will take place over six months instead of the normal four months.

Heavy rain since the beginning of June have caused the water levels in the conservation areas to rise to historic levels for this time of year.  This temporary deviation aims to reduce stages in Water Conservation Area 3A in Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. 

Due to the urgency of these operational changes, an expedited Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been prepared to assess any environmental impacts associated with this action. The EA and FONSI are currently available for public and agency review. Comments will be accepted through September 1, 2017.  

Comments will be accepted through September 1, 2017, and can be sent electronically to: taura.a.huxley@usace.army.mil, or mailed to:

Taura Huxley
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019


Corps implementing deviations to assist with Everglades’ high-water event; Environmental documents available for public and agency review - June 28, 2017


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is implementing temporary operational changes to alleviate high water conditions within the Everglades’ water conservation areas west of the Fort Lauderdale and Miami metro areas. 

The temporary deviation aims to reduce stages in Water Conservation Areas 1, 2, and 3 in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.  Heavy rain since the beginning of June have caused the water levels in the conservation areas to rise to historic levels for this time of year. 

The Corps plans to implement the following actions in response to the event:

  • Reducing flows from Water Conservation Area 1 into Water Conservation Area 2A.

  • Opening structures S-12A/B, S-343A/B, and S-344, increasing the amount of water released from Water Conservation Area 3A into Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. 

  • Opening a temporary water control structure, S-152, to allow additional water to flow from Water Conservation Area 3A into Water Conservation Area 3B.

  • Increasing flows through pump station S-332D in Miami-Dade County.  This allows additional water to flow from Conservation Area 3 through the L-29, L-31N, and C-111 canals.

  • Increasing flows at structure S-197 to accommodate additional flows from Water Conservation Area 3A through the South Dade Conveyance System, while maintaining capacity to handle local storm runoff from future rain events.

The Corps is implementing these measures while it continues construction on critical pieces of infrastructure which are part of the Modified Water Deliveries and C-111 South Dade projects in Miami-Dade County. 

Due to the urgency of these operational changes, an expedited Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was prepared to assess any environmental impacts associated with this action. The EA and FONSI were available for public and agency review through July 28, 2017.

 

2016 Temporary Emergency Deviation

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division approved a request from Florida Governor Rick Scott for deviation from its water control plan for a key Everglades reservoir located west of Miami on Feb. 15, 2016. 

The division made the decision to grant the request for deviation based on extensive documentation from within the Corps and multiple partners representing federal, state, and tribal interests.

The deviation raised water levels in the L-29 canal, which runs along the north side of the Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41) between Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) and Everglades National Park. The WCA-3 water control plan limited those levels to elevation 7.5 feet (NGVD). The deviation raised the levels as high as elevation 8.5 feet, which would allow more water to flow from WCA-3 to Everglades National Park.

Before granting the deviation, the Corps coordinated with tribal staff, while the State of Florida coordinated to obtain the necessary permissions from private property owners who face potential flooding from higher canal levels. The action will allow up to 900 additional cubic feet per second (cfs) to flow through the L-29 canal and into Everglades National Park.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers partnered with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and coordinated with the Miccosukee and Seminole tribal staff to undertake this emergency action.


ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS

Temporary emergency deviation recovery period extended - July 11, 2016

The recovery period for the temporary emergency deviation was extended to maintain lower canal levels in the South Dade Conveyance System during the wet season.  This provided operational flexibility to address high water events during the wet season and also enable additional water to be sent into Everglades National Park, when conditions allowed. 

The recovery period was  implemented until the Revised Increment 1 Operational Strategy was approved, which incorporated necessary operational adjustments based on  lessons learned from the temporary emergency operations.


Environmental documents for additional temporary emergency deviation -  April 21, 2016

The Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for an additional temporary emergency deviation to alleviate high water levels in Water Conservation Area-3A (WCA-3A) were available for public and agency review through May 18, 2016. 

This temporary emergency deviation affected the S-344 structure in the southwest portion of WCA-3A and the L-28 Levee and Borrow Canal located near Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP).  The deviation called for water managers to open S-344 immediately instead of waiting for July 15, 2016, which is the normal opening date in the approved water control plan. The opening allowed water to be released from WCA-3A into BCNP and the L-28 Canal. The temporary emergency deviation was needed due to the elevated water levels in WCA-3A, and benefited natural resources within WCA-3A and BCNP.

The Corps initiated a temporary emergency deviation for purposes of providing high water relief in WCA-3A on February 15, 2016 by removing the current operating constraint of 7.5 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (of 1929 NGVD) in the L-29 Canal. The proposed deviation for the S-344 and L-28  complemented that effort by providing another outlet to reduce high water levels in WCA-3A. 

Appendices:

Comments were accepted through May 18, 2016.


Supplemental environmental documents for temporary emergency deviation - March 29, 2016

The Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a temporary emergency deviation to alleviate high water levels in Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA- 3A) were available for public and agency review through April 27, 2016.
 

Comments were accepted through April 27, 2016.


Environmental documents for temporary emergency deviation - Feb. 17, 2016

The Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a temporary emergency deviation to alleviate high water levels in Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA- 3A) were available for public and agency review through March 18, 2016. 

In response to a request made by Florida Governor Rick Scott for a deviation from the Corps’ Water Control Plan in WCA-3A, the Corps  initiated a temporary deviation for 90-days to raise water levels in the L-29 Canal in order to allow more water to flow from WCA-3A to Everglades National Park.

Comments were accepted through March 18, 2016.  

* This EA and FONSI is for an emergency purpose.  A supplemental National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document will be completed to supplement this EA and FONSI, providing additional discussion of the actions proposed as appropriate.  Completion of the draft document is expected by the end of February, upon which members of the public will receive an additional 30 day comment period.


Corps approves request for increased Everglades’ flows - Feb. 15, 2016

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division  approved a request from Florida Governor Rick Scott for deviation from its water control plan for a key Everglades reservoir located west of Miami.

The division made the decision to grant the request for deviation based on extensive documentation from within the Corps and multiple partners representing federal, state, and tribal interests.

The deviation raised water levels in the L-29 canal, which runs along the north side of the Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41) between Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) and Everglades National Park. The WCA-3 water control plan limited those levels to elevation 7.5 feet (NGVD). The deviation raised the levels as high as elevation 8.5 feet, which allowed more water to flow from WCA-3 to Everglades National Park.