La. considers doubling diversion flow

Louisiana officials are considering nearly doubling the capacity of the proposed Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion freshwater flow to 75,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of river water and sediment despite fishers’ concerns of the potential impact on the seafood industry. The state’s coastal master plan calls for a diversion structure on the Mississippi River near Wills Point, on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. The initial Mid-Breton permit would allow up to 35,000 cfs of river water and sediment to flow into the Breton Sound estuary in an effort to rebuild land lost to erosion. But a more recent permit application from the state seek to nearly double the flow capacity, Mid-Basin Sediment Diversion Program Manager Brad Barth said at a Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority meeting Jan. 16. The increased capacity won’t significantly change the projected price tag of about $800M, he said. The potential increase would put it on par with a diversion slated down river on the west bank near Ironton. Fishers have criticized both plans over the potential impact of salinity levels in the bays needed to sustain a variety of fisheries. (Source: NOLA.com 01/17/19)