Saltwater Intrusion Threatens Communities Along the Mississippi River
Plaquemines Parish, LA — Communities along the freshwater Mississippi River are increasingly threatened by saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico, endangering drinking water supplies and local economies. Mitch Jurisich, a third-generation oysterman and councilman in Plaquemines Parish, reports that saltwater intrusion has occurred for three consecutive summers, severely damaging the region’s oyster grounds and exacerbating poverty among local residents.
The rising salt levels have compromised the fresh water supply for approximately 23,000 residents, corroding pipes, reducing water pressure, and raising fears of lead contamination from aging infrastructure. Jurisich highlights the significant costs associated with repairing and upgrading the water system, estimated at $200 million.
With the saltwater advancing dangerously close to New Orleans this year, city officials have issued urgent warnings about the fragility of the current drinking water infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed an underwater barrier known as a "sill" to mitigate the intrusion, though it requires regular maintenance. The Corps plans to rebuild the barrier in 2024 to protect the city.
Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser emphasizes the need for immediate action, warning that if salt levels continue to rise, it could lead to a catastrophic situation for New Orleans, with potential disruptions to its vital tourism industry. Nungesser argues for more permanent solutions, including restoring the Mississippi River’s flow to combat erosion.
As Plaquemines Parish grapples with these challenges, local leaders advocate for proactive measures to prepare against further environmental threats, cautioning that other coastal cities may soon face similar struggles. "You’re not ready till you get hit," Jurisich warns, urging communities to act before it’s too late.
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