Walt Disney World has been hit with a setback in their plans to reimagine Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom into a new Cars-themed area, as the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has sent a six-page letter outlining problems with the initial permit application.
Permit Revisions Requested for Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America
In the Request for Additional Information (RAI) letter, which was delivered via Email and made available via the SFWMD online database, the state asks Disney to make 20 adjustments to its permit application, which was initially filed on August 12, 2024. The original permit deals with basin stormwater modifications, including the construction of a stormwater management master treatment facility.
SFWMD is asking Disney, among other requests, to confirm the project and permit areas for activities proposed under the application, along with the acreage and percentages of the total project until the application for impervious surfaces, excluding buildings, wetlands, and other surface waters; buildings; pervious surfaces; lakes, canals, retention areas, other open water areas; and wetlands.
The letter also indicates that the wetland impacts proposed in the application are inconsistent with the conceptual approval permit. SFWMD seeks clarity on how Disney’s plans will impact the wetland environment in the area, and ways that adverse impacts can be reduced or eliminated — including potential effects on the diversity and habitat of wildlife, fish, listed species, and bald eagles in the area. If any listed species have their habitat in the development area, SFWMD wants confirmation that any impact “does not jeopardize the existence of that species” or that mitigation measures have been taken.
This application does not sufficiently demonstrate that the applicant has adequately pursued site plan alternatives that eliminate and/or reduce impacts to wetland functions.
SFWMD also asks that Disney clearly displays wetlands and surface waters onsite in their construction plans, and that they provide an existing conditions, sheet, a proposed conditions sheet, and a proposed wetland impact sheet. The state also seeks to conduct a field inspection to verify wetland delineation, or the size and boundaries of wetlands on a property.
The list of changes also asks that Disney provide information on “proposed dewatering operations” that may be performed as part of construction. To build the two new “Cars” attractions, the Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom will have to be drained. This is most likely the dewatering being proposed. The application will not be considered complete until the SFWMD receives all information related to dewatering.
If Disney does not file their response within 90 days of the letter, the application for the area will be denied. However, Disney can request an extension in writing before the 90-day deadline hits.
According to WDWMagic, this doesn’t mean the project is doomed, but rather that Disney must be compliant with environmental regulations set by the state, and that this returned permit is all just part of the process for larger developments. Construction on the yet-unnamed “Cars” land is expected to begin in early 2025.
What do you think about “Cars” coming to Magic Kingdom? Will you miss the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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