Special care regarding endangered species is being taken as work progresses. The contract specifically requires environmental protection to ensure the safety and well-being of natural resources within the project area. Species of particular concern include gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, bald eagles, indigo snakes, and manatees.
Water is tested twice daily to ensure governmental standards are met.
When completed, this work will have dramatic environmental impacts on the lower basin of the river. Current work includes Upper Basin dredging to widen Canals 36 and 37, to increase water flows to the Lower Basin. Approximately 780,000 cubic yards of material from Canal 37 will be removed and disposed. The amount from Canal 36 is estimated to be about 50,000 cubic yards. The resulting increased flowage to the south will stimulate further restoration of ecologically important habitat as a portion of the river is returned to its original state.