The restoration of the Refuge and the Everglades is dependent on improving water deliveries of suitable water quality to sustain these fragile South Florida ecosystems. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District working with Portland State University have been testing the viability of utilizing periphyton dominated wetlands to remove phosphorus to less than 10 ppb TP. The PSTA concept was envisioned in 1996 ( Doren & Jones) from observing periphyton growth the hole-in-the-donut. Periphyton mats established in 2002, were able to achieve 10 ppb TP in 2007 (1 ft depth, 7 day HRT) , after experiencing extreme wet and dry periods, and no flow scenarios. PSTA is a highly resilient green technology not adversely impacted by prolonged wet or dry conditions. PSTA may be the treatment technology to condition water prior to discharging into conservation area.