Louisiana Coastal Area, Louisiana. Freshwater Diversion to Barataria and Breton Sound Basins. Feasibility Study. Volume 1. Draft Main Report. Draft Environmental Impact Statement

摘要

Louisiana's estuaries and wetlands are among the most productive in the nation in terms of fish and wildlife. With 41 percent of the nation's wetlands, Louisiana provides 25 percent of the commercial fish harvest and 40 percent of the fur harvest. The capacity of the estuaries and wetlands to support the abundant and diverse fish and wildlife populations is seriously threatened by habitat changes associated wth saltwater intrusion. The deterioration of habitat conditions and the consequent effect on fish and wildlife productivity is expected to continue. To address this problem, an investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of reducing saltwater intrusion to improve fish and wildlife productivity. To find a solution to this problem, a number of measures were considered. The measure that provides the best solution to saltwater intrusion is freshwater diversion. This measure would establish favorable salinity conditions, enhance vegetative growth, reduce land loss, and increase production of commercial and sport fish and wildlife. A total of 16 plans to divert freshwater into the area were evaluated. The plan would reduce saltwater intrusion, save about 99,200 acres of marsh, and increase oyster production by 16,400,000 pounds, which represents a 25-percent increase in the national oyster harvest.