This summer, the lack of options for storing and cleaning water in the Everglades ecosystem have led to toxic algae blooms and wildlife deaths in the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie Estuary. The state and federal partnership in Everglades restoration is the key to providing new options to avoid future tragedies. Governor Rick Scott’s commitment to invest $40 million to complete construction of the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area will help treat dirty water before it enters the estuary.  

The C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area is part of Audubon Florida’s suite of solutions that will be needed to end the impacts to the St. Lucie estuary and Indian River Lagoon. The State of Florida and the federal government need to work together to make these solutions a reality. For more information on Audubon Florida’s recommendations, download the Crisis in the Indian River Lagoon: Solutions for an Imperiled Ecosystem fact sheet: http://bit.ly/13iasaW

“The crisis in the St. Lucie estuary demands immediate solutions,” said Eric Draper, Audubon Florida Executive Director. “The natural water flow of the Everglades has been altered so severely that a single, rainy summer can cause devastating impacts to our coastal estuaries and native birds and wildlife. Governor Scott’s commitment of $40 million will bring needed restoration benefits to the estuary sooner.”

Water quality and storage problems facing the estuary are not only in the immediate vicinity of the where impacts are seen, but begin in the basins that drain into Lake Okeechobee and the coastal estuaries. “The state must also deal with the pollution sources and overdrainage in the Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee, and St. Lucie basins,” added Draper.