SUMMARY OF DOI RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCIENCE NEEDS RELATED TO WATER PROJECTS IN WATER PRESERVE AREAS AND SEEPAGE MANAGEMENT ALONG THE MARSH/URBAN INTERFACE
Major DOI Responsibilities and Interests	Major Unanswered Questions	Needed Science	Timeline
Help ensure that hydrologic performance targets accurately reflect the natural predrainage hydrology and ecology (DOI CERP partnership responsibility)	Water Preserve Areas
	What operating protocols for the WPAs will ensure that outflows support marsh-driven hydrologic targets? How do we develop protocols that are also compatible with the urban supply and flood protection protocols? How can seepage from the WPAs best be managed? How can the design and operation of WPAs ensure that water contaminants are avoided?	Research and possible model refinement to establish operating protocols Seepage measurements Environmental risk assessment of water quality contaminants	NEPA Scoping Schedules for the nine separate WPA projects are revised. C-9, C-11 and WCA 3A/3B seepage Aug 2005 The dates for the other components are expected by September 2004
	Lakebelt In-Ground Reservoir Technology Pilot Project
	How can seepage from the WPAs best be managed? Will the outflow from the Lakebelt reservoirs be of adequate quality to discharge into natural areas?	Information about the effectiveness of seepage barriers in Lake Belt reservoirs Research into biochemical processes that occur in deep lakes and how they will affect outflow.	NEPA Scoping Completed
	L-31N Seepage Management Pilot and Everglades National Park Seepage Management
	How will the proposed seasonal operation of the seepage control projects affect hydropatterns and water levels in Northeast Shark Slough? How can predicted natural hydropatterns for Northeast Shark Slough be translated into operating rules for seepage control structures?	Determination of the source of flow Research and possible model refinement to establish operating protocols	NEPA Scoping L-31 july 2006
Help ensure that hydrologic performance targets protect threatened and endangered species and promote fish, wildlife, and park values (consultations on project design related to DOI stewardship responsibilities)	Water Preserve Areas
	What design and operational improvements could enhance ecological benefits of the water preserve areas while meeting water management goals?	Research to support design and operating rules to enhance fish and wildlife resources	EIS Review, Section 7 Consultation, and CAR C-9, C-11 and WCA 3A/3B seepage draft Nov 2005 Final Jan 2006
	Lakebelt In-Ground Reservoir Technology Pilot Project
	What design and operational improvements could enhance the ecological value of the reservoirs without reducing the intended purpose? How will construction of the Lakebelt reservoirs affect the hydrology of the surficial aquifer south of the Lakebelt	Research to determine the ecological function of deep lakes Model of the dynamics within the surficial aquifer	EIS Review, Section 7 Consultation, and CAR Draft: May 2015-2020 Final: May 2015-2020
	L-31N Seepage Management Pilot and Everglades National Park Seepage Management
	How will the proposed seasonal operations of the seepage control works affect ecological responses in Northeast Shark Slough? What methods of seepage control are the most ecologically desirable? How does water management East of the Coastal Ridge affect recharge and flow within the Biscayne aquifer?	Monitoring and assessment of pilot project information Additional research and modeling are needed to determine how seepage control actions will affect groundwater flows and recharge within the surficial aquifer and delivery of groundwater between the Everglades and Biscayne Bay.	EIS Review, Section 7 Consultation, and CAR L-31N Seepage Management Draft: March 2006 Final: March 2007 ENP Seepage Management Revised PMP September 2005
Major DOI Responsibilities and Interests	Major Unanswered Questions	Needed Science	Timeline
Assess the responses of ecological communities and species as a basis for adaptive management (continuation of DOI responsibilities outlined above)	Water Preserve Areas
	What treatment and monitoring program will ensure adequate quality of water being put into the park?	Baseline surveys for long-term monitoring comparison	Post-implementation monitoring and assessment Project Completion: TBD
	Lakebelt In-Ground Reservoir Technology Pilot Project
	What parameters and locations should be monitored to determine the water quality?	Groundwater assessments of water quality inside and outside seepage barriers of deep lakes	Post-implementation monitoring and assessment Project Completion: September 2011
	L-31N Seepage Management Pilot and Everglades National Park Seepage Management
	What monitoring projects are required to assess the long-term effects of the seepage control structures?	Monitoring and assessment of pilot project information and biomonitoring	Post-implementation monitoring and assessment L-31N Seepage Management Original Completion Date: June 2006 - Delayed ENP Seepage Management Project Completion: September 2013