Canal Backfilling at Jean Lafitte (NPS)
Implementing Organization
US Department of the Interior (DOI)
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$8,731,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council
Funding Program
The RESTORE Act Funds Bucket 2: Comprehensive Plan
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Targeted Resources
Wetlands/Marshes/Estuaries
Project Description
Prior to the establishment of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA) and before the imposition of stricter regulatory requirements under the wetland provisions of the Clean Water Act, numerous access canals were dredged by oil and gas companies to reach well drilling locations and construct pipelines. Construction of access canals results in wetland loss, ground and surface water alteration, saltwater intrusion, soil compaction, and contributes to the introduction and spread of invasive species. Project area canals will generally be restored by backfilling, degrading spoil banks to meet the level of the surrounding wetlands and partially filling the open water of the canals with the degraded spoil and vegetative material. The canal edges will revert to marsh, swamp, and shallow water habitat through natural processes, thereby recreating freshwater wetlands. Degrading spoil banks will be accomplished from the canals and/or the spoil banks using barge-mounted excavators, marsh buggies, or similar earthmoving equipment.
Contact
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Project Website
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