Bonnet Carre Spillway Closing
Since it’s opening on April 11th, the Bonnet Carre Spillway has sent up to 15% of the Mississippi River water into Lake Pontchartrain. The satellite image above, taken on Wednesday, April 30th shows the muddy Mississippi River water hugging the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This corresponds to water quality data collected by the LPBF the previous day. Salinities were
measured at 0.2 - 0.5 “parts per thousand” (ppt) at all south shore water quality monitoring sites. Normally, the Lake measures 4-5 ppt salinity at this time of year. This data can be viewed on the water quality monitoring page of the LPBF website. http://www.saveourlake.org/water_quality.asp
On April 30, just as the river water began spanning much of Lake Pontchartrain, the decision was made to close the Spillway. The LPBF and many agencies and researchers will monitor the water quality and biological integrity of the Lake throughout the summer. While this Spillway opening was not of the magnitude of the 1997 opening, the potential still exists for adverse environmental impacts to develop, such as algae blooms and dead zones. The good news is currently, although very cloudy looking, the lake’s water quality is still suitable for swimming.
Carlton Dufrechou
Executive Director |
