Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins February 26, 2004 First Annual Public Meeting on Implementation Progress

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Introduction and Opening Remarks Gary Goforth

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Welcome! Welcome to the first annual public meeting on the Long-term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals of the Everglades (Plan) Objective today is to share the progress of implementing the Plan and receive comments from the public

Basins Addressed Seven Everglades Construction Project (ECP) Basins Six Everglades Stormwater Program (ESP) Basins

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Background 1994 Everglades Forever Act ØRequired the submittal of a permit modification by December 31, 2003 containing a PLAN for achieving compliance with phosphorus criterion in the Everglades Protection Area Strategy has been in every annual Everglades Consolidated Report Utilized results of Basin-Specific Feasibility Studies

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Basic Precepts Although existing phosphorus control programs are doing better than expected, additional measures will be needed to achieve compliance with water quality standards Substantive scientific uncertainties remain Maximum water quality improvement through an adaptive implementation process

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Overall Strategy 1.All scientifically defensible steps are taken at the earliest achievable dates 2.Focused efforts to improve the scientific and technical basis for additional steps 3.Incremental implementation of additional steps as soon as their need is confirmed

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals ECP Basins Seven ECP Basins ØS-5A, S-6, S-7, S-8, C- 139 & C-139 Annex, and C-51 West ØGrouped into six STA- specific areas (STA-1E, STA-1W, STA-2, STA- 3/4, STA-5, STA-6)

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals ESP Basins Six ESP Basins ØAcme Improvement District, Basin B ØNorth Springs Improvement District ØNorth New River Canal ØC-11 West ØL-28 ØFeeder Canal

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Florida Legislature found that the Plan provides the best available phosphorus reduction technology Florida Environmental Regulation Commission adopted Everglades Phosphorus Rule that declared the Plan shall constitute the best available phosphorus reduction technology Plan was revised to incorporate legislative guidance and public comments Final document dated October 27, 2003 was submitted to FDEP as part of Everglades Forever Act required long-term permit application due by December 31, 2003 Revisions to Plan

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Plan Components Three principal plan components ØPre-2006 Projects ØProcess Development and Engineering ØPost-2006 Strategy

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Pre-2006 Projects In the ECP Basins (STAs) ØAdditional compartmentalization ØVegetation management and conversion to more effective communities ØOperational refinements In the ESP Basins ØPrimary reliance on source controls and integration with CERP Projects, coupled with operational adjustments

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Process Development and Engineering (PDE) PDE contains seven primary elements ØIdentify means and methods to replicate the optimal performance of SAV ØDevelop engineering criteria and forecasting tools for additional measures which can be applied within the footprint of existing STAs. ØRefine estimated impacts of CERP projects on basin discharge volumes and pollutant loads

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Process Development and Engineering (PDE) ØIdentify opportunities to maintain and improve performance of urban and agricultural source controls ØEnhanced control and monitoring of water quality improvement measures now in place ØImprove the reliability of estimated STA inflow volumes and pollutant loads ØDetermine the relationship between quality of water discharged into, and water quality within, the EPA

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Post-2006 Strategy Identification and adaptive implementation of additional water quality improvement measures following completion of pre-2006 projects ØImplement as soon as their functionality and need is determined ØBased on ongoing analysis of actual performance and the PDE effort ØRecommended funding of $36 million

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Post-2006 Strategy Possible measures for adaptive implementation within proposed budget includes: ØConversion of additional lands to SAV, PSTA or other vegetative communities ØAdditional structural and operational modifications within existing STAs ØInterbasin transfer of water for more integrated and improved operation ØIntegration of water quality improvement strategies into CERP projects ØImplement more aggressive urban and agricultural source control programs

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Post-2006 Strategy Implement steps to accelerate recovery of impacted areas ØIncludes final completion of hydropattern restoration works (East WCA-3A, West WCA-3A, and WCA-2A) following a comprehensive benefit/risk assessment ØRecommended funding of $44.5 million through 2016

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Long-Term Plan Summary Plan is being implemented ØSTA Enhancement designs are underway ØBMP programs are being expanded ØResearch & monitoring are progressing ØIntegration with CERP is happening Long-Term Plan includes total recommended funding of $444 million through Fiscal Year 2016 If needed, return to Legislature for 2 nd 10-yr phase

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Long-Term Plan Update Pre-2006 Projects for ECP Basins Craig Wilson

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc10 STA-1E Enhancements Project Manager: Jim Sturgis Project Description: Herbicide treatment of Cells 2, 4N, 4S, and 6 for conversion to SAV. Ø2,998 acres, or 58% of total treatment area downstream of Distribution Cells

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc10 STA-1E Enhancements Project status Work completed to date: Coordinate with USACE on PSTA / SAV implementation. Work planned for remainder of FY: Complete design and implement plan.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc20 STA-1W Enhancements Project Manager: Tim Carter Project Description: Convert Cell 3 to SAV Add Pump Station for Maintenance of Stages in Cell 5 ØPump WCA-1 Seepage from Seepage Canal to Cell 5A Refine Operation to Maintain Stages in Cells 1-4 through Normal Operation of G-250S ØSource of water: Seepage Canal Upstream, Direct Seepage to Cells 1,3

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc20 STA-1W Enhancements Project status Work completed to date: Survey work underway with geotechnical work to follow. Work planned for remainder of FY: Complete Detail Design by July 2004 for procurement of construction contract to start work in November 2004.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc30 STA-2 Enhancements Project Manager: Tim Carter Project Description: Further compartmentalize each flow path Convert “new” cells 1B and 2B to SAV ØTotal of 4,710 acres (74% of total) in SAV Forward-pumping station in Cell 2A for stage maintenance in 2B

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc30 STA-2 Enhancements Project status Work completed to date: Survey, geotechnical, and hydraulic modeling complete. Detail Design underway. Work planned for remainder of FY: Complete Detail Design by June for procurement of construction contract to start work in August 2004.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc40 STA-3/4 Enhancements Project Manager: Rich Virgil Project Description: Subdivide Cell 3 Convert Cells 1B, 2B, and “new” 3B to SAV Ø8,809 acres (53% of total) New forward-pumping stations in each flow path for stage maintenance in SAV cells

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc40 STA-3/4 Enhancements Project status Work completed to date: Detail Design is 90% complete. Work planned for remainder of FY: Complete Detail Design and procurement of construction contract to start work in December 2004.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc50 STA-5 Enhancements Project Manager: Rich Virgil Project Description: Convert Cell 2B to SAV (SAV in 59% of total area) Modify G-343 structures for enhanced function and control Additional seepage return pump stations

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc50 STA-5 Enhancements Project status Work completed to date: Detail Design is underway nearing 30% complete. Work planned for remainder of FY: Complete Detail Design for procurement of construction contract to start work in October 2004.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals STA-6 Enhancements (Bc60) & STA-6 Section 2 (Ba62) Project Manager: Rich Virgil Project Description: Enhancements to be completed with the Section 2 construction Compartmentalize Cell 5 Convert “new” Cell 5B and Cell 4 to SAV Add irrigation water supply pump station

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals STA-6 Enhancements (Bc60) & STA-6 Section 2 (Ba62) Project status Work completed to date: Survey, geotechnical, and Detail Design to 60% phase. Work planned for remainder of FY: Complete Detail Design for procurement of construction contract to start work in October 2004.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals ECP Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring Sharon Trost

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf ECP Operations and Maintenance Project Manager: Sharon Trost Project Description: Perform routine maintenance and operation of STAs and related works in keeping with the requirements of the EFA, to maintain optimal nutrient reduction performance.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf ECP Operations and Maintenance Project Status Bf work completed to date ØOperation, Maintenance and Repair of works Mowing, grading of levee roads, maintenance and operation of structures and pump stations Vegetation management- aerial and terrestrial spraying, mechanical harvesting Special projects- G-255 structure closure, Vegetation barrier re-designs

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals BF ECP Operations and Maintenance Project Status Bf work planned for remainder of FY 04 ØOn-going STA maintenance ØOn-going operations of pump stations and structures ØAddition of STA 3/4 and STA-1E to Routine Maintenance ØDe-Watering of Cell 2, STA3/4 for vegetative community succession ØReplacement of selected culverts in original ENR ØSupport of On-going streamgauging / improved flow ratings for STA compliance stations

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf80 ECP Permits and Compliance Monitoring Project Manager: Ron Bearzotti Project Description: To fulfill the flow and water quality monitoring, analysis and compliance reporting requirements of the EFA and NPDES permits issued to the District for the ECP.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf80 ECP Permits and Compliance Monitoring Project Status Work completed to date Routine STA Compliance Monitoring and Reporting Program (on-going) ØStaff time for WQ collection and analysis (contracts) ØRoutine Maintenance, Repair and Parts for equipment (on-going) ØLab Analysis Support Mercury Monitoring and Reporting ØSTA-2 Expanded Hg Monitoring 5th Quarterly Monitoring Report Submitted ØUltra trace Hg monitoring STA-3/4 Start-up and Baseline Monitoring (on-going) Flow monitoring/ streamgauging/ improve flow measurements ØExisting STAs

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf80 ECP Permits and Compliance Monitoring Project Status Work planned for remainder of FY 04 On-going STA compliance monitoring and analysis Addition of STA-3/4 and STA-1E to Routine Compliance Monitoring Purchase of Monitoring Equipment for STA-3/4 and STA-1E Replacement of old STA monitoring equipment STA-2 Mercury Risk Assessment Report (late March) On-going streamgauging / improved flow ratings for STA compliance stations

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf81 STA Site Management Project Manager: Tom Kosier Project Description: Oversee the day-to-day activities involving operation and maintenance of the individual STAs. Provide effective coordination between the field stations, researchers, control room, performance manager, vegetation management and other entities to ensure optimal STA performance. Ensure that STA operational plans are followed. Perform efficient site management of STAs, documentation of site management activities & expenditures

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf81 STA Site Management Project status Work completed to date Hired and trained 2 new site managers Coordinated STA-3/4 start up activities Coordinated vegetation management in the STAs Experimental Tussock removal in STA-1W (10,000 cubic yards)

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bf81 STA Site Management Project status Work planned for remainder of FY Bring STA-1E on line and start up Continue the STA-3/4 start up activities Investigate STA-5 flow constraints

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc84(2) Vegetation Maintenance Project Manager: Lou Toth Project Description: To manage vegetation in STA-2 Cell 3 in order to optimize SAV performance.

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Bc84(2) Vegetation Maintenance Project status Site assessment Planned field test of methodologies for conversion

Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals Long-Term Plan Update Break (15 minutes)