Ed’s Aerial Update, 12 days after discharges begin 500cfs SLR

DOCUMENTING THE DISCHARGES 2023
Aerials of St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon taken February 3, 2023, 1pm “about two hours before low tide.” Florida Oceanographic Society graded the St. Lucie River at an overall “B” for water quality January 26 through February 1st. An “A” for the IRL and a “C” for the SLR west of Sewall’s Point. Since January 22, 2023, the ACOE continues to discharge 500 cubic feet per second from Lake Okeechobee to lower the lake in avoidance of toxic algae blooms predicted in Lake Okeechobee this summer due to Hurricane Ian. The lake is presently at 15.92 feet down from 16.10 feet on January 22, 2023. ~Photographs Ed Lippisch
Ed Lippisch River Warrior documenting the SLR since 2013.

~Aerials below taken 12 days after ACOE began discharging 500 cubic feet per second from S-80 via Lake Okeechobee. Color better  in IRL than SLR.  Of  concern  no  visible  seagrass.

SFWMD’s most recent chart from Environmental Conditions Report: Total Flow to the SLR.

SFWMD’s Operation Position Statement 1/31/23 to 2/6/03 the ACOOE: Ops_Position_Statement_Jan_31_Feb_06_2023

~St Lucie Inlet and Crossroads of SLR/IRL at Sewall’s Point, Stuart, Martin County, FL 2/3/23

Follow Todd Thurlow eyeonlakeo.com for easy to read updates.

SFWMD canal and basin map. C-44 canal is the canal most southerly in the image. When S-308 is open at Port Mayaca, Lake Okeechobee water discharges through the C-44 canal and S-80 into the St Lucie River. This is totally unnatural as the St Lucie was never connected to the lake. The ACOE &  SFWMD are working at a record pace to improve the plight of the northern estuaries through a new lake schedule, LOSOM,  and CERP-Everglades Restoration.

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