Plaquemines Parish Council Addresses Saltwater Intrusion Crisis

News Summary

The Plaquemines Parish Council has unanimously urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close three major Mississippi River diversions to combat increasing saltwater intrusion. This move follows alarming studies indicating low freshwater flow to the Gulf, raising concerns for local ecosystems, navigation, and public drinking water quality. The council aims to restore the river’s natural flow to mitigate saltwater problems and improve the overall health of the region.

Saltwater Intrusion Crisis Prompts Plaquemines Parish Council to Act

In a bold move to combat the ongoing saltwater intrusion crisis plaguing the area, the Plaquemines Parish Council has made a unanimous decision. The council is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close three significant diversions in the Mississippi River. This decision is driven by concerns that the diversions are exacerbating the region’s increasing saltwater problems.

The Three Major Diversions

The diversions in question are the Mardi Gras Pass, Neptune Pass, and Fort St. Phillip Pass. A recent study from Tulane University revealed a striking statistic: only 20% of the freshwater flowing from the Mississippi River in New Orleans makes it to the Gulf of Mexico. This limited flow raises major concerns about the health of local ecosystems and the overall water quality in the area.

Concerns Over River Flow

One council member highlighted the urgent need to maintain the river’s natural flow from north to south. The current situation, with water flowing south to north, is creating more issues for the parish as it contributes to saltwater being pushed upstream.

By passing this resolution, the council aims not just to tackle the salty water problem head-on, but also to improve navigation for ships traveling the river. The unchecked breaches along the river have led to a problematic net loss of flow, critically diminishing the river’s capability to naturally fend off saltwater intrusion.

Impact of Mardi Gras Pass

Mardi Gras Pass is quite impressive in its own right, being over 300 feet wide. Reports suggest that it’s allowing around 30,000 cubic feet of murky water to gush through every second. This swift water flow has resulted in significant navigation challenges, especially for vessels trying to maneuver through Mardi Gras Pass.

A Public Health Concern

There’s a growing alarm over how saltwater intrusion is affecting the public’s drinking water. The president of Plaquemines Parish has expressed serious worries regarding the availability and quality of potable water due to ongoing saltwater encroachment.

Ongoing Studies and Future Considerations

Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is engaged in a five-year study examining various pressing issues surrounding the river. While deliberations are ongoing, the Corps has not ruled out implementing control structures, especially for the Mardi Gras Pass, aiming to restore some balance to the river’s health.

Environmental Concerns and Invasive Species

Local coastal advocates recognize that while Mardi Gras Pass has its role in land formation, they are equally worried about the negative impacts on local fisheries and estuaries. Invasive species like Asian carp and water hyacinth have begun to choke out essential salt grasses and waterways, making an already desperate situation even worse.

Pollution and Water Quality

Adding to the environmental dilemma, pollution from the river has profoundly impacted water quality in the Breton Sound estuary. Local health department assessments indicate that this pollution poses significant threats to aquatic life and subsequently to human health, making the need for action more urgent than ever.

As the Plaquemines Parish Council takes these steps to tackle the pressing issues of saltwater intrusion and pollution, the hope is that they will not only protect the region’s valuable ecosystems but also ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for the community. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with a united front, the council is optimistic about creating better conditions for both people and nature in this vibrant region.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• NOLA: Mardi Gras Pass Lessons
• Wikipedia: Saltwater Intrusion
• The Advocate: Plaquemines LNG Production
• Google Search: Plaquemines LNG
• Fox 8 Live: Plaquemines Council Vote
• Google Scholar: Saltwater Intrusion Mississippi River
• LA Illuminator: Local Issues
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi River
• KPLC: Crawfish Population Explosion
• Google News: Mississippi River Saltwater Intrusion