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Section 7 Environmental Effects of the Selected Plan

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

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avoided. In addition, land that has historically been used for agriculture, but

now has limited agricultural value, will be used for the EAA Storage Reservoir

project. This will minimize the potential direct loss of jobs. The EAA Storage

Reservoir project can support the remaining agriculture in the EAA. In fact, it

could improve agriculture by augmenting water supply and flood control for the

EAA. It should also be noted that the EAA Storage Reservoir project is expected

to contribute to hydrological and water quality improvements in Lake

Okeechobee, coastal estuaries, and the historic Everglades. In addition,

reduction of backpumping EAA run-off will improve water quality in the rim

canal where South Bay and Belle Glade Municipalities currently withdraw

water for potable supply. Recreational benefits specific to the project are

discussed in detail in Appendix D that contains a description of the recreational

plan that is being proposed for EAA Storage Reservoir. Socioeconomic

development activities resulting from construction of the EAA Storage reservoir

should include but are not limited to construction symposiums, contract

opportunity assistance for small business involvement and job cross training for

local residents. These all act to make the area more attractive to visitors and in

turn, may provide jobs and subsistence for low income and minority populations

of the area.

7.15 LAND USE

The selected plan was analyzed for potential land use effects relative to:

1. Development trends;

2. Consistency with existing plans and policies; and,

3. Compatibility with surrounding land use.

Construction and operation of the selected plan will not have significant direct or

indirect effects on development trends in the EAA. Conversion of the Preferred

Alternative land area to reservoir storage will have minimal effects on growth

trends since the development potential of the property is already extremely

limited and the net change in employment will be small relative to EAA

employment.

The Preferred Alternative will be consistent with land use plans and policies in

the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan. Compartment A is in the Glades

Tier and has an Agricultural Production land use designation. Implicit in the

purchase by DOI and SFWMD is conversion of land from agricultural uses to

reservoir storage and natural area. Conversion to either of these uses is

consistent with the Future Land Use Plan for Palm Beach County and will not

significantly affect surrounding land uses. A storage reservoir and natural areas

on Compartment A would be compatible with surrounding land uses, and land

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