The Army Corp of Engineers has been involved with a few phases of water management over the past half century. The first one was authorized by the Flood Control Act of June 30, 1948, and dealt with flood protection to agricultural areas south of Lake Okeechobee and to the urban areas of South Florida.
The second phase was authorized through the Flood Control Act of September 3, 1954. This phase included a much larger area, covering about 15,200 square miles in some 18 southeasterly counties of Florida. The focus of the second phase is broader, as it includes flood relief and water conservation. It included the creation of levees (dams), canals, pumping stations, and structures that control water levels.
The projects provided water control and protection from floodwaters for highly developed urban areas and for agricultural areas. The project also improved conditions for navigating recreational boats, due to the building of locks and the dredging of canals.
STA in orange. STA1 is where the periphyton will be released. The periphyton will help to remove phosphorus from the water.