National Park Service finds no significant environmental impact from two proposed rehab projects in Everglades National Park

Flamingo Water Treatment Plant. Photo 1 credit: NPS Photo

Deteriorating seawall in front of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo. NPS Photo by Federico Acevedo

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – The National Park Service issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for two major rehabilitation projects in Everglades National Park: Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems and Flamingo Bulkheads Rehabilitation Project. The FONSI establishes that, based on the Environmental Assessment (EA), there would be no significant impact on the environment as a result of the selected action. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the park considered “action” and “no action” alternatives and solicited public comments for 30 days.  
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“We are so grateful for the public’s input on these vital infrastructure projects that are essential to providing sustainable visitor services and protecting the park environment,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks. "These improvements address critical safety and health concerns while ensuring many years of continued facility operations for park visitors.” 
 
Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems 
This project addresses the physical and operational deficiencies of the park’s potable water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. The existing systems are critically deficient and expensive to maintain. Many are only partially operable or at the end of their service life. Infrastructure near the ocean corrodes and deteriorates from exposure to saltwater, UV rays and high temperatures. The project seeks to improve safety, efficiency and overall operations while ensuring resilience to the impacts of climate change and maximizing the service life of the systems. 
 
The selected action provides for the rehabilitation of water and wastewater systems at 13 sites managed by park staff. The primary elements of the project include rehabilitating the reverse osmosis plants in the Flamingo and Main Entrance/Royal Palm areas. Other elements include replacing associated apparatuses needed for distribution, collection, and treatment of potable water and wastewater. Design is expected to begin over the summer with construction starting in 2026.  
 
Flamingo Bulkheads Rehabilitation Project 
This project will rehabilitate existing historic seawall bulkheads, walkways, and aging amenities within the park’s Flamingo Mission 66 Developed Area Historic District. Visible sections of existing seawall caps and pilings are cracking and breaking due to rusting and expanding reinforcing steel, causing potential tripping hazards for visitors and staff. This project will improve safety and provide an optimal visitor experience with a 50 to 100-year life span. 
 
The selected action, Alternative C, provides for the building of a new bulkhead wall using the “hard ground press-in method.” This method involves specialized equipment that uses hydraulic force to push piles into the ground. The new bulkhead wall will be built in front of the existing wall and is designed to carry the load of both walls. Other components of the project include the demolition and replacement of an aging boat shelter, as well as the repair/replacement of boat docks, pilings, and associated utilities (electric, water, wastewater, and fuel). Construction is anticipated to begin later this year. 
 
The FONSI decisions were made separately after considering environmental impacts to resources including vegetation, wetlands and soils; wildlife and species of special concern; hydrology and water quality; visitor use and experience; human health and safety; and lightscapes and viewsheds. The NPS will implement multiple mitigation measures and best management practices to protect the natural and cultural resources onsite. 

Funding for both projects is provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. GAOA is part of a comprehensive effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the NPS to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.   
 
The FONSI and related documents are available for viewing at: 
ParkPlanning - Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=93827)
ParkPlanning - Rehabilitate Marina Bulkheads at Flamingo (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=97893)

Learn more about Everglades National Park online at nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, X and Instagram.