Case Study:
Water and Wastewater Utilities
Planning for Climate Change
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
Background
The Seminole Tribe of Florida provides drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 2,000 people on four
different reservations. The Hollywood Reservation is located just seven miles from the Atlantic Coast, while the other
three reservations - Big Cypress, Immokalee and Brighton - are located further inland. Brighton is situated further north
along the northwest side of Lake Okeechobee and experiences a noticeably different climate from the other reservations
previously mentioned. Hollywood and Big Cypress draw from the Biscayne aquifer. Although relatively shallow and
unconfined, the aquifer is very productive and not typically affected by drought. Immokalee and Brighton draw from
separate aquifers. In the near future, Brighton plans to drill new, deeper wells to tap into the Floridan aquifer in order to
improve the quality and reliability of their water supply. These, as well as any other plans or changes to their water
resource management, are coordinated with the South Florida Water Management District.
Climate Threats
Due to its coastal proximity, flooding and sea-level rise impacts - including the potential for saltwater intrusion - were
initial concerns for the Hollywood Reservation. Although the location is not currently affected by local sea-level rise or
saltwater intrusion, the Seminole Tribe would like to plan for these impacts in the future. For Brighton and other inland
reservations, drought and increased wildfire risk were primary concerns.
Planning Process
To better understand the vulnerability of their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and operations, the Seminole
Tribe assessed potential climate change impacts using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate
Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT). The CREAT assessment brought together individuals from EPA
and the Tribe to think critically about potential climate impacts, prioritize assets and consider possible adaptation
options. The risk assessment focused on potential risks to the Hollywood and Brighton Reservations. For the Hollywood
Reservation, the Seminole Tribe considered the risk of increased demand on their aquifer from planned development.
For the Brighton Reservation, the impacts of wildfire on their water treatment plant were considered, specifically
pertaining to their backup generator.
Adaptation Measures
The Seminole Tribe considered the potential consequences of wildfire and increased water demand on its utility
infrastructure and operations. To assess each of these potential threats, the Seminole Tribe considered how potential
adaptive measures would help lower consequences. See the table below for potential adaptive measures that were
considered.
Seminole Tribe of Florida Case Study — Page 1
SEPA

-------
Case Study: Water and Wastewater Utilities Planning for Climate Change
LOCATION
POTENTIAL ADAPTIVE MEASURES
Brighton
Clear tree line near backup generator on the adjacent property at the water treatment plant
Reservation
(Wildfire)
Improve fire wall by replacing fence near facilities


Relocate the backup generator away from the tree line

Install meters at isolation valves to track water use
Hollywood
Reservation
Adopt of drought-tolerant landscaping at the casino and consider irrigation changes
Implement of a 'Healthy Homes' program to encourage adoption of water-saving devices
(Increased Demand)
Improve existing groundwater monitoring system

Conduct community outreach to raise awareness of drought conditions and potential
conservation activities
Contact Information
For more information regarding the Seminole Tribe of Florida's climate adaptation planning, contact Gary Braganza
at aarvbraaanza@semtribe.com.
Seminole Tribe of Florida Case Study — Page 2
&EPA
Office of Water (4608T)
EPA 800-Q-15-004
December 2015

-------