About

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) finalized the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) in August 2024, replacing the previous Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS). LOSOM incorporates key infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike, the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, the C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir, and the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area, which are part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). These updates enable better management of water levels to improve flood protection, water quality, and ecosystem health while reducing harmful discharges to surrounding estuaries. 

The Process

The Corps hosted a series of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public scoping meetings in addition to public workshops and Project Delivery Team (PDT) meetings throughout South Florida since January of 2019. The PDT meetings allowed representatives from various government agencies and the public to provide input on the LOSOM plan.

To ensure a thorough and transparent process, six sub-teams were formed, focusing on key areas: Ecology, Engineering, Economics, Water Supply, Water Quality/HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms), and Modeling and Plan Formulation.  

After several years of meetings, collaboration, and in-depth evaluation, the new LOSOM was finalized in August 2024 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will guide future water management operations for Lake Okeechobee​.

Martin County's Efforts

Martin County was actively engaged in the LOSOM review and evaluation process and assembled a team of subject matter experts to conduct research, evaluate options, provide input and develop strategies to advocate on behalf of our residents, visitors and environment. This team included a variety of scientists, climatologists, hydrogeologists, engineers and environmental legal specialists.

Martin County will continue to make elective investments in water quality. Water quality isn’t just about what happens with Lake Okeechobee and LOSOM, which is why Martin County is extremely active in creating proprietary research and developing water quality improvement projects to help protect the health and well-being of our residents, businesses, environment and way of life. Learn more about our water quality efforts.