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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Press Office
