Delta And Wetlands Mismanagement Contributed To Hurricane Problems
Developing management plans that recognize
engineering, economic and hydrologic realities is key to sustainable development
of the Louisiana coastline.
Army Corps of Engineers "managing" wetlands
In a guest editorial published in the March-April issue of Ground Water, hydrologists in Louisiana suggest adoption of evolving management plans that recognize engineering, economic and hydrologic realities is key to sustainable development of the Louisiana coastline.
Authors Richard F. Keim and William J. Blanford state that historical hydrological management of the Mississippi River and its delta is partially responsible for the increased vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and culture, and effectiveness of levees can be improved by combining wetland restoration and flood-protection efforts synergistically into a single effort. Hence, construction of a “category 5″ levee, which is proposed by some, is not a substitute for wetland protection.
Keim and Blanford hope that engineering solutions can be found to preserve and enhance natural processes to sustain wetlands, with levees used only to protect concentrated, high-value infrastructure. “To maintain the integrity of those wetlands, with all of their ecological, economic and cultural importance, will require active hydrological management,” add Keim and Blanford. “Including ecosystem restoration in flood control planning is necessary.”
Asking politicians to act upon reality may be a stretch. Opportunism is a tradition that’s hard to reform — especially when it comes to tax dollars.
Posted: Thu - March 9, 2006 at 07:51 AM