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Climate Change Assessment for Water Resources Region 03 South Atlantic -Gulf generation, navigation and ecosystem management, may present some significant, additional challenges to an already complex water resource system. USACE implements several ecosystem restoration projects in the South Atlantic -Gulf Region, such as examining existing ecosystems, developing watershed management plans, performing restoration feasibility studies, executing comprehensive river restoration, and preserving and maintaining natural habitats. Increased air temperatures, particularly in the summer months, will result in increased water temperatures. This may lead to water quality concerns, particularly for the dissolved oxygen levels, which are an important water quality parameter for aquatic life. Increased air temperatures are associated with the growth of nuisance algal blooms and influence wildlife and supporting food supplies. The hydropower facilities in the South Atlantic -Gulf Region provide over five billion kilowatt - hours of electricity, mainly as "peaking power" to supplement fossil fuel plants. Uncertainty exists with regard to impacts of climate change on potential hydropower output, due to the lack of consensus for future precipitation patterns. However, increased air temperatures may cause seasonal drought situations, especially in the summer, and may reduce the amount of power that may be generated by the hydropower plants. Recreational facilities in the region offer several benefits to visitors as well as positive economic impacts. Increases in air temperature along extended heat waves in the summer months and the increased frequency of extreme storm events have the potential to decrease the number of visitors to USACE's recreational facilities. Periods of extreme high heat poses human health concerns and higher water temperatures can result in algal blooms and other water quality issues which may cause health risks for those involved in aquatic activities. Increased extreme storm events may make recreational activity difficult, dangerous, or impossible. USACE has extraordinary capabilities to respond to natural disasters and other emergency situations throughout the country, and it is a top priority. There are designated emergency managers and assigned staff in each region and subregion that are able to quickly mobilize. Extreme storm events are capable of creating emergency situations in which USACE would be needed to provide assistance in the South Atlantic -Gulf Region. These types of storms are capable of intense precipitation, winds, and storm surge in coastal areas. Since these may occur more frequently, USACE can expect an increased need for their assistance in disaster response and recovery. USACE's regulatory mission has a serious commitment to protecting aquatic resources while allowing reasonable development. The climate projections may have indirect implications for permitting in the region, and may result from modifications in federal laws and guidance. This may spur stricter regulation or increase the permitting breadth and depth. While most of the permitting processes may not change, the volume and frequency of the permitting requirements may increase — thus increasing the permitting costs for projects. In addition, USACE provides engineering, construction, real estate, environmental management, disaster response, and other support or consulting services for the Army, Air Force, other assigned U.S. Government agencies, and foreign governments. Environmental management services include rehabilitation of active and inactive military bases, formerly used defense sites, or areas that house excess munitions. Expected changes in climate may necessitate adjustments USACE Institute for Water Resources 38 January 9, 2015