Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Project
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Project Overview March 11, 1998 Mississippi Delta Region, LA Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Project |
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Project Authority: The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1965, (PL 89-298), the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1974 (PL 93-251), WRDA 1986 (PL 99-622), and WRDA 1996 (PL 104-303).
Project Location: The project is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish near the town of Luling, LA.
Project Purpose: The project will divert freshwater, with its accompanying nutrients and sediments, from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin to reduce saltwater intrusion and establish favorable salinity conditions in the area, thus combating land loss. These diversions will also increase commercial and recreational fish and wildlife productivity, and enhance vegetated growth for a healthier estuarine ecosystem in the Barataria Basin. The shallow embayments support oyster production and shrimp and food fish reproduction, while the marsh areas produce food for fur-bearing animals and migratory waterfowl. About 33,000 acres of wetlands will be preserved and 777,000 acres of marshes and bays will be benefited by the project. Freshwater diversions will occur under regulated conditions developed by monitoring basin salinities, and the fish and wildlife resources. The project area includes 10,084 acres; 9,300 of these acres are in the ponding area. 130 acres will be temporarily required during construction. Deterioration of the marshes below New Orleans has long been recognized; it is caused by several factors including subsidence, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. Introduction of freshwater, nutrients and alluviums from the Mississippi River via the diversion control structure will serve to reduce this degenerating trend in the project area. The project will improve existing commercial and recreational fisheries by enhancing existing marsh conditions, thereby improving the project area's fish and wildlife resources. Average annual benefits include $14,997,000 for fish and wildlife plus $298,000 for recreation, totaling $15,295,000.
Project Features: The project consists of a diversion structure containing four 14 foot square gated culverts, inflow and out flow channels, east and west guide levees, and a rock weir. The maximum discharge is 10,650 cubic feet per second, however the actual amount of diverted flow depends on a detailed operational plan. Also included in the project is a plan to relocate oyster leases impacted by the project. This plan is under development and will be implemented prior to diversion of water. The Corps of Engineers is constructing the project and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources is responsible for its operation. An Interagency Advisory Group consisting of federal and state agencies, fisheries and landowners will provide overall operational oversight.
Project Status: Construction was started in November 1996 and diversion of water is expected to begin in 2000. The completion of all project features is expected in 2003. The total estimated cost is $105 million. The Federal share is 75% of the construction and operation costs and the State of Louisiana's share is 25%.