A Fast-Track, Multi-Benefit Solution for Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Restoration

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) is a collaborative multi-agency effort led by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District. The program involves planning, land acquisition, design, construction, and operations for the massive Central and Southern Florida water management and flood control system which includes over 3,379 kilometers (km) (2,100 miles - mi) of canals, 600 water control structures, 625 project culverts, 70 pump stations, and Lake Okeechobee, which is the second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous 48 States.Of the many projects for the program, CDM Smith developed the design for the Lake Okeechobee Fast-Track (LOFT) phosphorous reduction project (Project). This Project is part of the Northern Everglades restoration components to meet Total Phosphorus (TP) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Lake Okeechobee and its tributaries. The Project focused on the approximately 485.6 km2 (187.5 mi2) Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough system which comprises approximately 6% of the tributary area with nearly 26% of the TP load.This paper presents the methodology, innovations, design results, and the construction and operational lessons learned for this successful, fast-tracked Project.