Wetlands are a major part of the South Florida Ecosystem. Yet, despite the federal and state “No Net Loss” mandate in the late 1980s, wetland loss continues to be a major issue facing south Florida. ELC attorneys have significant experience as litigators and advocates in advancing wetlands protections. Our practice includes challenging the issuance of permits under state and federal law that could undermine Everglades restoration objectives. ELC also works with its clients and partners in advancing legislative and regulatory improvements to federal and state wetland permitting policies.
Highlights:
- Florida Wildlife Federation v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, 404 F.Supp.2d 1352 (S.D. Fla. 2005): Successfully challenged the issuance of a dredge and fill permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that would have allowed for the construction of a massive bio-technology institute in an area needed for Everglades restoration. Since then, the research facility has been moved to a more suitable area located in close proximity to a large university and urban area. The original site was recently purchased by the South Florida Water Management District for eventual use as a water storage and treatment area for Everglades restoration.
- Successfully settled a lawsuit against the Federal Highway Administration, resulting in the first comprehensive study of the environmental effects of coastal armoring in south Florida.
- Crafted stronger wetland protections for the Kissimmee River Valley as part of a settlement agreement in a state administrative proceeding.
- Opposed efforts by the Palm Beach Port District to deepen and expand the Lake Worth Inlet because of likely significant impacts to several federally listed species including manatees and sea turtles.
[button color=”orange” size=”medium” align=”center” link=”http://evergladeslaw.org/category/resources/water-resources/”][icon style=”fa fa-external-link”]Water & Wetlands Resources[/button]