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Bonnet Carre Spillway Update
As part of our mission to Save Our Lake, LPBF has been in close contact with the Corps of Engineers and all state and federal agencies dealing with the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening since even before the opening on May 9, 2011. We have coordinated our water monitoring efforts, reported our data, and reported our own and citizens observations (see our website).
We feel that our vigilance, close contact with the agencies, and concern for Lake Pontchartrain's health has been considered by the Corps in their recent decision to begin closure of the Bonnet Carre Spillway on June 11, 2011. The Corps must consider many difficult and conflicting issues, but we applaud their decision to begin closure of the Spillway. We will continue to be fully engaged until the Lake is back to normal.
As of June 11th, the Corps of Engineers began closing the Bonnet Carre spillway. Closing 20-30 bays per day (river stage permitting), the structure may be entirely closed in a couple of weeks. With the closure comes the next phase of impacts to Lake Pontchartrain. Below are some anticipated impacts. Please contact LPBF if you happen to see any of these. We are interested in tracking locations of events.
- With the high Lake level and lack of rain, we are noticing that many of our north shore rivers are not flowing much. This is causing dissolved oxygen levels to be very low in the rivers and can potentially lead to fish kills. We believe that this has already happened once or twice. If you see a number of dead, floating fish in a north shore river (particularly near the lake). Please let us know. We will investigate and notify agencies.
- With the flow from the Bonnet Carre stopped and no wind, the sediment in the Mississippi River water (that is now in Lake Pontchartrain) will begin to sink out of the water column. This will leave the water very clear and full of nutrients- perfect for algae growth. Some species of algae have toxins that can affect pets and humans so it is best to avoid swimming in it. Once the algae grow then die, the bacteria that decompose them will use all of the oxygen in the water and may lead to fish fills. Again, please let us know if you see algae, we would like to keep track of where it is blooming.
- From past Bonnet Carre openings, we anticipate that the Lake will be returning to normal conditions in about 6 months.
Below are pictures of the algal bloom in 2008. If you see either indications of any water quality problems or have any questions about the impacts of the spillway opening on the basin, please contact us at info@saveourlake.org or at 504-836-2215. We thank everyone for your concern and support and urge you to continue to support the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation as we Save Our Lake.
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