Florida Completes Key Reservoir Component

The initial critical phase of a $2.1 billion reservoir project in St. Lucie County is now complete, with construction on the next essential component set to commence in two weeks. This milestone includes the operational status of five man-made marshes, known as stormwater treatment areas (STAs), which are designed to treat billions of gallons of polluted stormwater runoff. These STAs are integral to the Indian River Lagoon-South (IRL-South) project, a significant undertaking within the larger Central Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

The IRL-South project aims to reverse the detrimental effects of altered water flow and degraded water quality impacting the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River estuary. Future work will involve removing approximately 7.9 million cubic yards of muck from the St. Lucie River's forks and estuary to create new habitat. The project is expected to be fully completed by 2031, enhancing biodiversity and supporting recreational activities while mitigating harmful algal blooms.