Treasure Coast Sun

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast from Florida's 21st district has called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide answers regarding their decision to begin discharging water from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie Estuary. In a letter to the Army Corps, Rep. Mast expressed his concerns about the current management of the lake, which he believes prioritizes the sugar industry over the well-being of Floridians.

Rep. Mast pointed out that Lake Okeechobee has been kept artificially high during dry periods to benefit the sugar industry, resulting in detrimental consequences for the environment and public health. He stated, "Without the foresight to see medium to long-term impacts of dry season management, the USACE has put all the surrounding communities and the estuaries at severe risk."

The USACE Jacksonville District recently announced that they will start discharging 1,800 cubic feet per second from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie Estuary on February 17, 2024. This decision is based on the ineffective Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS), which was established sixteen years ago using outdated science.

Rep. Mast has been actively working to address the issue of discharges from Lake Okeechobee. In 2018, he successfully included a provision in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) mandating a review of the LORS. This led to the selection of a new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) that would significantly reduce discharges to the St. Lucie Estuary. Unfortunately, the implementation of LOSOM has been delayed due to bureaucratic obstacles.

Furthermore, Rep. Mast passed legislation in 2022 requiring the USACE to develop a plan for additional infrastructure to completely end discharges to the St. Lucie Estuary. The law also mandated an interim report to be submitted to Congress by the end of the previous year, which the USACE has failed to deliver.

In his letter, Rep. Mast demanded transparency and accountability from the Army Corps. He called for clarification on their decision to begin discharging, the timeline for implementing LOSOM, and their plans to prevent future discharges.

The issue of Lake Okeechobee discharges has been a longstanding concern for Rep. Mast and the surrounding communities. The health of the estuaries and the well-being of Floridians are at stake. It is crucial for the Army Corps to address these concerns and take immediate action to protect the environment and public health.

To read the full text of Rep. Mast's letter to the Army Corps, click here.