FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2002

 

Scientists: Glades Water Storage Plan on the Right Track

TALLAHASSEE – A respected panel of scientists has praised the thoroughness of the approach taken by state and federal managers in developing a comprehensive plan to capture and store water for future use in the Everglades ecosystem.  A report on the use of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) from the National Research Council, affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences, stated that a draft plan by the Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District goes “a long way” toward answering remaining questions on the plan to store 1.7 billion gallons of water per day.

“This report confirms that researchers and scientists are on the right track for evaluating ASR’s on such a large scale,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs.  “Our common pledge has been to restore the Everglades in a manner that protects the system as well as human health. That pledge is being honored.”

While Aquifer Storage and Recovery has been successfully used in Florida since 1983, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) calls for the use of ASR on a larger scale.  The purpose of the state and federal government’s planned study is to facilitate a better understanding of the consequences of implementing ASR regionally in south Florida on such a broad scope.  The report from the National Research Council commends the state for its efforts in producing a comprehensive study.

Independent scientific review from respected organizations such as the National Research Council provide excellent opportunities to refine and improve the implementation of the CERP. The state and federal governments will incorporate these findings into the overall restoration effort.

 

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