The toxic algal bloom in Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, declared a state of emergency earlier this month, is an unfortunate example of cause and effect.
The lake, which once naturally drained to the Everglades, is home to a failing 30-ft dike, designed to prevent flooding of towns and farming communities. High rains and the impending hurricane season are raising the lake levels faster than usual. In January, the Army Corps of Engineers began draining the lake to the east and west to keep the water between 12.5 and 15.5 ft above sea level. This drainage has brought a host of pollutants to the coastal communities, leading to foul-smelling toxic algae blooms that threaten human health, wildlife and area tourism.
Draining to the east and west has been scaled back in recent weeks, and the state is looking for alternative locations for the water. The South Florida Water Management District approved $3 million in emergency funds to temporarily move it north, while some groups suggest it should be sent to the sugar cane farms south of the lake. The district is also urging the Army Corps of Engineers to speed up the dike repairs, which have been in progress for years and carry a bill of $880 million. Citizens are being encouraged to switch from septic to sewer systems to minimize pollution to the lake. Meanwhile, on Friday the Obama administration denied Gov. Rick Scott's request for a federal emergency declaration and accompanying FEMA funds.
It’s hard to name one culprit in this story, when failing infrastructure, changes in climate, and pollutants all play a role. Some also argue the slow-going dike repairs are a result of a lack of federal funding. An effective solution to what has now turned into a public health emergency is going to require input and action from numerous parties, including citizens, environmental groups and government agencies. It will be expensive and likely time-consuming to fix. The only thing we know for sure is the water will keep rising and it has to go somewhere, so the state will have to continue implementing short-term fixes while it simultaneously searches for a long-term solution.
