Parish president highlights sediment build-up at Davis Pond diversion, urges CPRA to study freshwater reintroduction to Lake Des Allemands

Parish President Jewel reported that the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana (CPRA) and parish officials hosted U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, for a tour of the Davis Pond diversion and monitoring stations. Jewel said the diversion, which was designed to take surface water from the Mississippi River, has trapped sediment and built up land in an area of roughly 500 acres that previously had been open water.

Jewel described a core sample taken on the tour that showed organic material at the bottom and clay and sediment layered on top; she said trees are now rooting in areas that formerly held floating marsh. Jewel called the sedimentation and marsh growth an encouraging sign of restoration at Davis Pond.

She urged CPRA to undertake engineering, design and permitting for a similar project in the upper basinwhich she referred to as a freshwater reintroduction to Lake Des Allemands. Jewel said the upper basin is experiencing stagnant, hypoxic conditions in hot summers and reported fishermen noting saltwater intrusion, including barnacles on crab traps, in the upper basin. She said freshwater reintroduction could help restore nutrient exchange and improve conditions for plants and fish.

The parish report described observations and a recommendation to CPRA but did not include an announced funding commitment, schedule, or formal parish action directing CPRA to proceed. Rep. Westermanhis role on the tour was described by Jewel; no direct quotes from Westerman were included in the report.