Sediment diversion support and opposition

Independent polling released in mid-August shows that Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support large-scale sediment diversions to build and maintain coastal wetlands, with support of more than 80% statewide. This polling tracks closely to previous surveys on sediment diversions.

A draft environmental impact statement on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion was released in March, and a final environmental impact statement is expected early next year.

This sediment diversion has been decades in the making, and it is recognized by scientists as an essential element of coastal restoration in Louisiana, where more than 2,000 square miles of wetlands have vanished since the 1930s. The project will reconnect the river to surrounding wetlands, delivering sediment and nutrients that have been choked off for generations.

There will be negative impacts associated with the reintroduction of freshwater into coastal wetlands, and the state has committed $300 million toward mitigation. CRCL supports this project, but we also support an honest discussion about how communities and industries will need to adapt. You can learn more about the diversion here.