Project to reduce nutrient pollution and support the health of downstream estuaries
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board today approved the purchase of 1,583 acres in St. Lucie County needed to build the C-25 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (STA), an important component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). This reservoir and STA project is in a suite of projects known as the Indian River Lagoon-South project to support the health of the St. Lucie Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon along Florida's Treasure Coast.
"Gov. Ron DeSantis made restoring and protecting Florida's environment and natural water resources a top priority, and the South Florida Water Management District continues doing everything we can to advance Everglades restoration projects to support this effort," said Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, who represents the Treasure Coast on the SFWMD Governing Board. "This land purchase for the C-25 Reservoir and STA is yet another big step forward for our Treasure Coast communities by building the water storage and treatment necessary to help protect our beautiful St. Lucie River and Estuary along with the Indian River Lagoon."
The $15 million land purchase acquires all of the necessary land for the C-25 Reservoir and STA Project and makes it possible to build the reservoir and STA complex. Working together, the reservoir and STA will capture, store and treat local stormwater runoff from C-25 Canal. The project reduces the rate of harmful flows to downstream estuaries and improves water quality in the estuary and lagoon.
The C-25 Reservoir and STA are major components of the Indian River Lagoon-South Project within the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The Indian River Lagoon-South Project includes several reservoirs, STAs, and natural lands features to support habitat restoration, reduced harmful discharges, and water quality improvements.
Under the leadership of Gov. DeSantis and with funding by the Florida Legislature, SFWMD continues to advance important Everglades restoration projects that will send more water south, reduce harmful discharges to our estuaries, and improve water quality and management.