NewsPress.com
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/OPINION/70612087/1015
By Robert E. Coker
If
At the most recent coalition meeting, Lee Commissioner Ray Judah acted like a
robot, programmed to say only “Send more dirty water south,” no matter what
facts were presented.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers analyzed a “spillway” through the dike around
the lake to move water south. The idea was rejected because it significantly
reduced storage capacity in the lake, which would increase discharges to the
estuaries. It was further shown that a spillway would completely destroy
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan projects already under way to clean
up the
Ray Judah responded by again asking the Corps to explain why they couldn’t send
more water south.
Next, the South Florida Water Management District gave a detailed technical
analysis on a southern flow-way. Dr. Richard Punnett,
who did the comprehensive study and analysis of a flow-way concept for CERP,
explained that while it sounded good in concept, the regional water system has
changed too drastically for a flow-way to work today.
In layman’s terms, during wet years, the water conservation areas and
Taking water from the existing system during average to dry years would worsen
drought effects on everyone. Rather than a flow-way, experts agree what is
needed is managed storage, particularly north of
Thankfully, eight of 10 commissioners understood the technical presentations
and did not endorse
ROBERT E. COKER
Senior vice president,
U.S. Sugar Corp., Clewiston