discussed were the delta building of the Atchafalaya River, freshwater diversions along 

 the Mississippi River, and control of canals in wetlands. 



The Atchafalaya River is building a large lobate delta in the Atchafalaya Bay and 

 also causing land accretion along the coast of southwestern Louisiana. The question is 

 how do we realize the maximum benefits from these natural processes. Interestingly, the 

 new delta has been built since 1950, rhost of it since 1970. There have been three 100- 

 year floods during that period, however. Is this phenominal delta growth, in fact, unusual 

 and will it continue at the recent rates? 



There were three main issues discussed in reference to freshwater diversion: (I) 

 how to recreate the natural overflow patterns which cause land accretion and retard 

 saltwater intrusion; (2) how to initiate new areas of delta growth; a delta lobe is really a 

 series of small lobes which can be recreated with selective freshwaters diversions; (3) 

 how can water and sediment brought over or through the levee be managed and be 

 directed to the interior of wetlands where they are needed. With regard to freshwater 

 diversions, the point was made, which I think is a very good point, that enough research 

 has been done to allow implementation. Granted, further research will occur in the 

 future, but we are far enough along to allow affirmative action. Dr. Gagliano made the 

 very good point that we are wasting a very valuable resource in Louisiana by allowing the 

 shunting of most of the Mississippi River's fresh water and silt off the edge of the 

 continental shelf by confining it until it reaches the active distributary system at the 

 river's mouth.The water, sediments, and nutrients are the bases of our agriculture, marsh 

 development, and most of our natural resources. 



Two problems related to freshwater diversions were raised. An important one 

 which cannot be overlooked is the concern of the people impacted by the diversion. The 

 benefits which may accrue because of the diversion may not accrue to the communities 

 and local governments impacted. There have been occasions where local governments 

 have actively resisted plans for freshwater diversion because of this. Another problem is 

 that control structures upriver have been very effective, there is much less sediment 

 transported by the river available for diversion. 



An issue that I was really surprised about is the degree to which the coastal erosion 

 problem is a result of canal dredging. Gene Turner estimated that at least 50% of the 

 coastal land loss is a direct or indirect result of canal dredging for the oil and gas 

 industry, navigation, and other purposes. If this is so, how can we better manage these 

 activities, where must they be stopped, etc. 



Senator Nunez discussed the study recommendations made by the Joint Natural 

 Resources Committees of the Louisiana Legislature. They make specific 



recommendations for projects to stem coastal erosion and estimate the costs of these 

 activities. The Corps of Engineers is also working on a series of studies regarding 

 implementation of freshwater diversion. Clearly the "bottom line" in all these efforts is 

 one which appears consistently in government, and that is dollars. How will we pay for 

 it? How does it fit in with competing needs for these funds? The Governor and 

 Legislature now appear ready to devote considerable sums of State resources from the 

 Enhanced Mineral Trust Fund for coastal protection. 



This briefly summarizes our delibrations. I want to complement the panelists for 

 excellent presentations and discussion and the audience for their provocative questions. 



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