Project Links
Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems
Everglades National Park » Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems Project. The FONSI establishes that, based on the Environmental Assessment (EA), there would be no significant impact on the environment as a result of the selected action. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the park considered "action" and "no action" alternatives and solicited public comments for 30 days.
This project addresses the physical and operational deficiencies of the park's potable water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. The existing systems are critically deficient and expensive to maintain. Many are only partially operable or at the end of their service life. Infrastructure near the ocean corrodes and deteriorates from exposure to saltwater, UV rays and high temperatures. The project seeks to improve safety, efficiency and overall operations while ensuring resilience to the impacts of climate change and maximizing the service life of the systems.
The selected action provides for the rehabilitation of water and wastewater systems at 13 sites managed by park staff. The primary elements of the project include rehabilitating the reverse osmosis plants in the Flamingo and Main Entrance/Royal Palm areas. Other elements include replacing associated apparatuses needed for distribution, collection, and treatment of potable water and wastewater. Design is expected to begin over the summer with construction starting in 2026.
The FONSI decision was made after considering environmental impacts to resources including species of concern, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, soils, cultural resources, hydrology, water quality, floodplains, and visitor use and experience. The NPS will implement multiple mitigation measures and best management practices to protect the natural and cultural resources onsite.
Funding for the project is provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. GAOA is part of a comprehensive effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the NPS to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.
The FONSI and related documents are available by selecting "Document List" on the left side of the page.
This project addresses the physical and operational deficiencies of the park's potable water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. The existing systems are critically deficient and expensive to maintain. Many are only partially operable or at the end of their service life. Infrastructure near the ocean corrodes and deteriorates from exposure to saltwater, UV rays and high temperatures. The project seeks to improve safety, efficiency and overall operations while ensuring resilience to the impacts of climate change and maximizing the service life of the systems.
The selected action provides for the rehabilitation of water and wastewater systems at 13 sites managed by park staff. The primary elements of the project include rehabilitating the reverse osmosis plants in the Flamingo and Main Entrance/Royal Palm areas. Other elements include replacing associated apparatuses needed for distribution, collection, and treatment of potable water and wastewater. Design is expected to begin over the summer with construction starting in 2026.
The FONSI decision was made after considering environmental impacts to resources including species of concern, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, soils, cultural resources, hydrology, water quality, floodplains, and visitor use and experience. The NPS will implement multiple mitigation measures and best management practices to protect the natural and cultural resources onsite.
Funding for the project is provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. GAOA is part of a comprehensive effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the NPS to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.
The FONSI and related documents are available by selecting "Document List" on the left side of the page.