High Flows Management measures have been established by the SFWMD - TopicsExpress



          

High Flows Management measures have been established by the SFWMD to assess conditions in the estuaries during periods of high flows. For the Caloosahatchee a salinity measurement of 8 psu at the Cape Coral Bridge is considered the minimum needed to protect seagrass and oysters downstream. Likewise, the St Lucie management measure establishes a minimum salinity of 8- 10 psu at the US 1 bridge in Stuart. High flow conditions will engage the SFWMD in designating alternative, emergency storage options throughout the watersheds north, west, east and south of the lake. We strongly urge that this document be revised as guidance to achieve its stated purpose to maximize operational flexibility for the benefit of natural systems consistent with LORS08. Comment noted. Jennifer Heckler Conservancy of Southwest Florida I am writing on behalf of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to comment on the update of the Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee Operations (AP) document dated June 24, 2010. The Conservancy is respectfully asking for governing board support of a shared adversity water supply approach in creating Adaptive Protocols which truly balance the needs of the natural environment with other consumptive use needs. The ecological health of the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary continues to deteriorate from either harmfully high releases from Lake Okeechobee when additional flows are detrimental, or being deprived any releases in dry periods. When the minimum flows necessary to avert high salinity levels are not provided for, there is extreme harm to aquatic resources (including submerged aquatic vegetation and oysters, two primary indicators of healthy estuarine communities in south Florida). The Caloosahatchee River and Estuary are currently designated as impaired due to their incompliance with applicable water quality standards, as well as are designated critical habitat for endangered species; therefore, their continued degradation runs afoul of state and federa
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 19:28:34 +0000

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