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Section 5 Formulation of Alternative Plans

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

5-34

5.4.1.1 Fish and Wildlife

All wildlife sightings listed in Table 2-7 document wildlife observations for

Compartment A. They were based on direct observations by an interagency field

team evaluating wetlands in the EAA. As such, the compiled list is skewed

toward wetland dependent species even though this type habitat is relatively

scarce. In addition, Alternative 2 and Alternative 3 reservoir footprints contain

significant areas outside Compartment A that were not visited; however, the

habitats are similar to that observed within Compartment A. Therefore, it is

assumed that resident, transient, and migratory wildlife utilizing this area will

be similar to those in Component A.

5.4.1.2 Water Quality

The EAA Storage Reservoir project is expected to improve water quality

conditions in the Study Area, as well as in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee

Estuary, the St. Lucie Estuary, and the EPA. The proposed storage reservoirs

would reduce pollution loading into downstream receiving water bodies through

the attenuation of surface flows and reduction of associated pollutant loads prior

to discharge.

Steady-state modeling was performed to examine the water quality effects of the

reservoir. For this analysis, pollutant removal and outflow concentration were

determined primarily for total phosphorus. Total phosphorus was examined in

detail, because of its place as the pollutant of primary concern. The design inflow

rates were taken from the SFWMM simulation output. Detailed analyses can be

found in the Water Quality Assessment Report in Appendix F. The metering of

water from the proposed storage reservoir into the STAs would allow them to

consistently improve water quality before release to the EPA.

The four alternatives are all expected to have a significant positive impact upon

water quality released to STA3/4. Alternatves 4 & 5 produce the lowest total

phosphorus concentration. A reservoir is expected to also provide some

improvement in water quality for other nutrients, metals, and

pesticides/herbicides.

5.4.1.3 Socioeconomics

Project alternatives were analyzed for potential social and economic impacts.

Social and/or economic impacts that could occur are the following:

a) Induced substantial population growth;

b) Displaced on-site population;

c) Substantial employment losses; and,

d) Increased demand on community services causing service level reductions.

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