Wenger 72944 Especificações descarregar pdf (Página 272)

Section 7 Environmental Effects of the Selected Plan

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

7-6

and a reduction in adverse high water stage discharges to the estuaries. In

addition to benefiting the estuaries, removal of the most extreme high and low

water stages should allow some recovery of the currently stressed Lake littoral

zone.

7.8 FISH AND WILDLIFE

7.8.1 Aquatic Fauna

Small areas of existing open water habitat would be lost under the construction

footprint. Once the reservoir is constructed, aquatic (open water) habitat will

substantially increase. The open water reservoir will likely harbor fish typical of

nearby canals. Water would be conveyed to the reservoirs by these canals which

also act as conduits for the introduction of many aquatic organisms, including

fish. Species that will likely inhabit the reservoirs include: largemouth bass,

black crappie, redear sunfish, shad, bluegill, and mosquitofish, among others.

Diversity of invertebrates living in reservoirs can be low, especially in deepwater

systems that lack emergent vegetation. Invertebrates typically found in lake

sediments that provide forage for fish include chironomids, crayfish, and shrimp.

In general, shallow water fish bedding and rearing habitat will be limited to the

margins of the reservoir. The reservoir’s limited littoral zone may tend to reduce

populations of fish species dependent upon this habitat for reproduction and

sheltering juveniles.

Amphibians and aquatic reptiles including frogs, turtles, snakes, and alligators

will likely inhabit the deepwater reservoir. Limited emergent vegetation in the

reservoir will also affect these organisms by reducing available forage, cover, and

reproductive habitat. The reservoir will also create foraging habitat for osprey,

bald eagle, terns, cormorant, and other aquatic birds that feed on fish. Ducks

may also use the reservoir, but low cover of submergent and emergent

vegetation may limit the habitat value. Mammals in the reservoir will likely be

limited to river otter.

A littoral zone will be constructed between the reservoir embankment and the

seepage canal outside of the reservoir. The STA would be constructed adjacent

to the south-western portion of the reservoir between the reservoir and the

Miami Canal. The littoral zone and STA would provide habitat for

invertebrates, fish, and amphibians.

7.8.2 Wetland Fauna

At least 206 acres of functional existing wetlands will be displaced by the

reservoir footprint. Actual habitat loss for wading birds likely will exceed the

206 acres of identified wetlands, as flooded sugarcane fields provide seasonal

foraging habitat for a variety of wading and shorebirds. Wildlife observed using

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Wenger 72944 Especificações Página 272