News Release

Everglades National Park seeks public input on the Environmental Assessment for the Water and Wastewater Systems Rehabilitation Project

Restroom building below the Shark Valley Observation Tower

NPS Photo

News Release Date: November 13, 2023

Contact: Media Contact: Allyson Gantt, [phone]

Contact: Project Contact: Daniel Noon, [phone]

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – The National Park Service (NPS) announces the release of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation of select water and wastewater systems in Everglades National Park. The improvements will ensure the safety and well-being of park visitors and staff, while protecting the unique ecosystems of the park. The EA is available for review and comment through Dec. 12 on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment site (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WaterSystems).

The purpose of this project is to address the physical and operational deficiencies of the park’s potable water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. The existing systems are critically deficient and expensive to maintain. Many are only partially operable or at the end of their service life. Infrastructure near the ocean corrodes and deteriorates from exposure to saltwater, UV rays and high temperatures. The project seeks to improve safety, efficiency and overall operations while ensuring resilience to the impacts of climate change and maximizing the service life of the systems.

Funding for the project is provided by the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund established in 2020 by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). GAOA is part of a comprehensive effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA's Legacy Restoration Fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the NPS to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.

The Environmental Assessment evaluates a No Action alternative and one Proposed Action, which is the preferred alternative, describes the affected environment, and assesses the environmental consequences of implementing each alternative. Under the No Action alternative, only routine maintenance and emergency repairs would occur and the aging systems would continue to deteriorate and possibly fail.

In contrast, the preferred alternative involves water and wastewater systems improvements at multiple locations throughout the park

The public may comment on the Environmental Assessment during the review period from Nov. 13 to Dec. 12. The preferred method of providing comments is through the project website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WaterSystems using the “Open for Comment” tab.

Comments may also be submitted in writing to:  
Everglades National Park
Attn: Superintendent, Water and Wastewater Systems EA
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034

Mailed comments should be postmarked no later than Dec. 12.