Bayou Bienvenue Triangle

IMAGE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

It is known simply as "PPL18 PROJECT NOMINEE: Bayou Bienvenue Restoration Project". Its future, and maybe that of the Lower Ninth Ward, could be decided tomorrow in New Orleans at a meeting hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (7400 Leake Avenue, Uptown). According to Pam Dashiell of the CSED, "The Corps will weigh and make preliminary decisions on which wetlands projects to fund; we want them to choose restoration of the Bayou Bienvenue triangle. The future of our Lower Ninth Ward community is at stake."

The Corps' fact sheet, prepared in advance of this meeting, outlines some of the issues and opportunities for this nominated project:

"Problem

Over the past years the wetlands in the area has eroded due to altered hydrology/impoundment, substance, and saltwater intrusion. The majority of the area is very shallow open water littered with ghost cypress logs and stumps.

Goals

The goal of this project is to create and maintain wetlands in the triangular area adjacent to the headwaters of Bayou Bienvenue.

Specific Goals:

1.) Creation of 440 acres of baldcypress – water tupelo swamp through marsh creation.
2.) Planting area with baldcypress and water tupelo
3.) Restore the historic ridge along Bayou Bienvenue
4.) Divert treated municipal effluent from the local treatment plant to enhance the created swamp.

Proposed Solutions

Dedicated dredging of sediments from the Mississippi River to create emergent wetlands in the triangular area adjacent to the headwaters of Bayou Bienvenue. Following the placement of dredged sediments, and freshening through beneficial use of disinfected, secondarily treated sewage effluent, the area would be planted with baldcypress and water tupelo. The treated effluent will be provided by the Orleans sewage treatment plant, contiguous with the restoration site. The area will be monitored to optimize the correct water levels and salinities for baldcypress and water tupelo growth and regeneration."