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Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

2-6

less organic which slows the rate of subsidence. The differential rate of

subsidence in the past years has altered the slope of the land, which hinders

restoration of the natural flow system.

The flat topography, cohesiveness of the peat, and the levee systems allow for

little water erosion of the soils in the EAA. In addition, current agricultural

practices promote accumulation of chemicals in the soil.

2.3.4 Unique Land Forms

The Everglades itself is a unique geological feature that contains habitats found

nowhere else in the world and is referred to as an “American National Treasure.”

It combines a sub-tropical climate, a broad shallow river and a stunning

diversity of plants and animals in a complex and fragile ecosystem. The EAA

contains approximately 114 square miles (296 km2), or about 72,944 acres, of

wetlands. Therefore, wetlands in the area are an important feature to maintain

the desired water quality and provide a habitat for a wide variety of fish and

wildlife.

2.4 HYDROLOGY

The groundwater movement is generally toward the north for the western

portion of the reservoir site. It is generally toward the southwest for the eastern

portion of the reservoir site. The water table is generally at 9.8 ft. During a 30

day simulation that includes a 5-day 25-year storm event, the water table rises

to a peak of 11.5 ft.

The western portion of the reservoir site is generally higher than the eastern

portion. This topographic configuration produces a surface water movement that

is generally toward the east and southeast.

2.4.1 Groundwater

The Lake Okeechobee area contains a surficial aquifer system consisting of all

the rocks and sediments from land surface to the top of the limestone. In the

EAA, the high organic content of the soil makes the surficial groundwater

generally undesirable for domestic use except close to Lake Okeechobee. This

aquifer is recharged directly by two sources: Lake Okeechobee and rainfall.

Lake Okeechobee provides water for a variety of consumptive demands,

including urban drinking water, irrigation for agricultural lands, and recharge

for wellfields.

Beneath the surficial aquifer is the Floridan aquifer system. It is the largest

aquifer in Florida and the most productive in the world. This system underlies

an area of approximately 100,000 square miles (258,999 km2) in Florida,

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Wenger 72944 Spezifikationen Seite 70