Everglades Pilot Spreader Swales Project

Date: November 6, 2008
Contact: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Contact: Dave Sikkema, 305-224-4214

Everglades National Park is pleased to announce the release of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pilot Spreader Swales Project. The EA analyzes four alternatives for a proposed pilot project to determine if spreader swales would increase water flow into Northeast Shark River Slough in the park. The proposed pilot project is part of the Modified Water Deliveries Project (Mod Waters) intended to restore flows in Northeast Shark Slough as well as ecological balance in the park. The project is a pilot because no conclusive study has been conducted that substantiates the benefits of swales. Therefore, the National Park Service, with the cooperation of the US Army Corp of Engineers has prepared an EA  evaluating this project.

The EA analyzes the following alternatives:

Alternative A, No Action: Continue Current Management, would result in no changes to Tamiami Trail culverts or associated conditions. This alternative is required by the National Environmental Policy Act and serves as the basis for comparing the alternatives.

Alternative B, The Structural Alternative, would construct two spreader swales located downstream of two existing Tamiami Trail culverts.

Alternative C, Non-Structural Alternative: Hydrologic Modeling, would utilize existing models or variations of existing models to further analyze the potential effects of swales.

Alternative D, Hydrologic Modeling and Potential Structural Component (Adaptive Management Approach), This NPS Preferred Alternative would utilize an adaptive management approach to evaluate the hydrologic effects of swales. It would start with additional modeling and based on these results, potentially construct two swales and do additional monitoring post-construction.

A public workshop will be held November 19, 2008 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m at South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW 211th Street, Miami, Florida 33189. There will be a presentation at 7:00 p.m. with time before and after for the public to view project information, talk with park staff, and provide comments.

Public comment:
The public is encouraged to view the EA and submit comments through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov, selecting “Everglades NP” from the drop down box, then “Spreader Swales Pilot”, and “Open For Public Comment”. The “Document List” link provides a list of S. Florida libraries that have paper copies for review.
Written comments should be mailed to: Everglades National Park, Attention: Dave Sikkema – Swales EA, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034.

Copies of the EA may be requested by calling the park at 305-242-7700. If prompted by voice mail, press “2” at 1st prompt and “5” at 2nd prompt to leave mailing information. A limited number of copies are available.

The comment period ends December 9, 2008.

For more information or questions, contact Dave Sikkema, Project Manager at 305-224-4214 or [e-mail].

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For a power point fot his puiblic meeting please contact us