Judah ‘sugar obsessed’
Editorial,
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/OPINION/70612087/1015
If Lee County wants to help solve the harmful estuary issues, they need
better representation on the 10-county coalition for responsible management of
Lake Okeechobee.
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 Everglades.
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. Rich ard 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
Everglades National Park were already too wet, and water levels above regulation
schedule. No additional water could be moved south during wet years, and during
dry years, there would be no water for the flow-way.
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 Lake O, where the water
originates. Judah again asked why they couldn’t send more water south. Rather
than help find actual solutions, Judah cannot see past his obsession with
flooding sugar cane fields.
Thankfully, eight of 10 commissioners understood the technical presentations and
did not endorse Judah’s attempt to force a flow-way that would not work. We
need systemwide solutions based on real science, not on Judah’s political
science.
ROBERT E. COKER
Senior vice president,
U.S. Sugar Corp., Clewiston