The National Park Service (NPS), in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the evaluation of dams on four waterways -House Ditch, Slagle Ditch, Raulerson Canal, and East Side Creek -in the Cape Sable region of Everglades National Park. The purpose of this project is to provide sustainable solutions to canal-induced saltwater intrusion and degradation of freshwater and brackish water marshes in the Cape Sable area of the park.
During the coming months, the NPS will evaluate and analyze the potential environmental impact of several dam alternatives, including a No-Action Alternative, in the EA. Through the NEPA process, the NPS is requesting public and agency input on the project and the environmental issues and alternatives to be included in the EA.
The public can view a project newsletter and submit comments directly on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment site at https://parkplanning.nps.gov. The newsletter provides information about the project background;draft purpose, needs, and objectives;and potential alternatives. Once on our website, select, "Everglades NP" from the drop down box, then, "Cape Sable Dams -Phase II," and finally, "Open for Public Comment."
A paper copy of the newsletter may be requested by calling the park at 305-242-7700, or can be downloaded from this link.
Written comments should be postmarked no later thanMarch 8, 2015, and sent to:
Pedro M. Ramos, Superintendent
Subject: Cape Sable Dams Restoration -Phase II
Everglades National Park Headquarters
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
The public comment period is open now and ends onMarch 8, 2015.
As soon as the Environmental Assessment is completed, it will be made available for public review for a 30-day period.
For more information or questions about the proposed Dams Restoration Project, contact Jonathan Taylor, Project Manager at 305-242-7876
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
