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 ------- |