Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)

The Office of Ecosystem Projects is the lead office responsible for implementation of the Department of Environmental Protection’s responsibilities under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), pursuant to Chapter 373.026(8)(b) of the Florida Water Resources Act, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

This function involves close coordination with the lead agencies implementing the CERP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, as well as with staff from DEP’s South and Southeast district offices. Responsibilities of the Office of Ecosystem Projects include:

• Evaluation of comprehensive plan project components pursuant to section 373.1501, F.S.
• Regulation of comprehensive plan project components pursuant to section 373.1502, F.S.
• Serving as a member of the CERP Design Coordination Team.
• Providing program level guidance and assistance to the U.S. Army Corps and water management district staff:
  • Water Quality Guidance Memorandum.
  • Programmatic regulations.
  • Independent technical review.
  • Toxic substances screening process - Mercury and pesticides.
• Serving as local sponsor for the Comprehensive Integrated Water Quality Feasibility Study (CIWQFS).
• Coordinating with DEP staff on CERP issues and activities.
• Serving as members of REstoration, COordination and VERification (RECOVER) and Project Delivery teams.
• Investigating regional water quality issues.
• South Florida Water Quality Protection Program.
• C-43 pollutant loading and abatement analysis.
• North Palm Beach pollutant loading and abatement analysis.
• Reviewing land acquisitions purchased with Save Our Everglades Trust Fund dollars.

Related Links

• CERP website (U.S. Department of the Interior).