Lake Okeechobee Release Schedule Update from City of Sanibel Natural Resources Department (6/30/2010)

Memorandum

To: Judie Zimomra, City Manager

From: James Evans, Environmental Biologist

Subject: Change in the Lake Okeechobee Release Schedule

Date: 6/30/2010

On the June 29th Periodic Scientists call with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Corps announced that they will be reducing flows to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries as a result of the current lake stage (13.29 ft) and the long-term weather outlook. Weather forecasters are predicting lower than normal rainfall throughout Florida this rainy season due to the strengthening La Niña pattern. Regulatory releases to the estuaries are being reduced to protect Lake Okeechobee and the water supply interests in the Lake Okeechobee service area.

The new release schedule calls for flows of “up to” 200 cubic feet per second to the St. Lucie estuary and up to 450 cfs to the Caloosahatchee. This will reduce flows at the Franklin Lock and Dam structure (S-79) from the current rate of 3,000 cfs to 450 cfs. This reduction in flow will improve salinity levels at the oyster reefs in the lower estuary, improve water clarity for seagrass beds near the mouth of the river, and will result in less nutrient loading in San Carlos Bay and the waters of Sanibel.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the lake releases and keep you updated on any changes that occur as we move into the rainy season.