Wedge Issues: Work Begins on Barrier to Keep Saltwater Out of NOLA

How saltwater intrudes (ACOE graphic)

Drought conditions have humbled the Mississippi, lowering water levels and making the river a bit more flighty than mighty. While this year's nationwide drought may have produced less Dead Zone, low water levels in the River right now mean that saltwater is creeping in, and that's not good for Southeast Louisiana's drinking water supplies. Having made its way through Plaquemines and forced a drinking water advisory there, the saltwater wedge is slowly creeping up the Mississippi. But the Corps of Engineers is looking to stop the intrusion before it violates New Orleans faucets.

The condition in Plaquemines makes the water unsafe for some residents, such as dialysis patients, to drink. To keep the saltwater from threatening New Orleans and upriver parishes, the Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract to begin construction of a "ledge" a sort of underwater levee to block the saltwater from getting any further.

Plaquemines Parish President, Billy "Pinky" Nungesser said, "We are working closely with the state, the corps, and GOSHEP to monitor the situation as the sill is built. We have plans in place so that this parish is never without safe water."

The Corps estimates that the ledge will take about 45 days to construct. The project will require them to close the river today, but the Port of New Orleans and Corps both expressed confidence that River traffic would not experience any future disruptions on account of the project.

The barrier, which was last called into use in 1999, would be constructed at mile 64, just above Myrtle Grove in Plaquemines Parish. The Corps said the River would be closed for portions of Thursday in the area as crews from Great Lakes Dredge and Dock complete work, which includes dredging. The effects will be seen in two weeks, according to the Corps of Engineers.

According to Louisiana's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Plaquemines Parish has acquired several barges to bring in water from safer seas. The Department of Health is currently testing the vessels to insure they are safe to store potable water. Once cleared, they will supply the Parish with enough water to keep everyone safe until the ledge is constructed.

After a sharp decline this week bringing it down below 2 ft at the Carrollton Gauge, the River levels are supposed to level off slightly, according to the National Weather Service. But the River is still forecast to decrease to around 1.5 ft. by early September.

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