SOUTH BAY - A gathering of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) representatives, state officials and workers met at the recently finished $170 million Stormwater Treatment Area 3/4.

The area, coupled with a pumping facility, is being called the world's largest constructed wetland.

At pump station G-370 on U.S. 27 on Monday, just outside South Bay, the dedication of the facility was held and the ceremonial switching of the engines powering the pump station was done by Senator Jeff Atwater.

The main focus of the 26-square-mile STA is in cleansing the water for restoration efforts. It works at eliminating dangerous phosphorus levels and excess nutrients from the water through a process involving the use of vegetation to naturally cleanse the water.

According to environmental experts, the abundance of phosphorus in the water, if left untreated, causes an imbalance in the plant and animal life of the Everglades.

The area also uses "green" technology to further reduce the amount of phosphorus in stormwater runoff.

Four other STAs throughout Florida similar to STA 3/4, though much smaller in scale, have already proven beneficial in treating water elsewhere. According to SFMWD officials, the four STAs have helped to prevent nearly 350 million tons of phosphorus from entering the Everglades.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency Secretary David Struh called STA 3/4 a magnificent product of unique and creative engineering.

"Because of the commitment of Governor Bush, restoration of America's Everglades is ahead of schedule, under budget and exceeding expectations," said Mr. Struhs. "Advanced technologies are working better than expected and guaranteeing continued water quality improvements in the Everglades over the next decade."

"We are grateful for what you have accomplished," Senator Jeff Atwater told SFMWD representatives. "It is fitting in our time to be a part of that [Everglades restoration efforts], in giving it to all time."

SFWMD Governing Board Chair Nicolas Gutierrez said the project is, "on the cutting edge of science and technology."

During its building, more than 11 million cubic yards of rock and dirt were removed, while workers dug 29 miles of canals and built the 31 miles of levee for the treatment marsh.

The pumping facility is powered by twin Fairbanks engines that have the capability to " ... empty a backyard swimming pool in less than two seconds," said Mr. Struh.

The STA is also capable of storing nearly 250,000-acre-feet of water from Lake Okeechobee when needed due to regulatory releases. This, say SFMWD officials, minimizes harmful discharges to coastal estuaries.

Speakers at the event were confident that the STA will help to begin the re-establishment of the well-being of the Everglades.

"Today marks another milestone in Florida's commitment to improve water quality in the Everglades," said SFWMD Executive Director Henry Dean. "Saving the Everglades is Florida's number one environmental priority. It is critical to South Florida - for our environment, economy and quality of life."

All Rights Reserved - Independent Newspapers, Inc.