Hearing set on bayou flood project

A public hearing on a proposed Bayou Teche flood control structure will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the gym at the Chitimacha School, 3613 Chitimacha Trail, in Charenton.
The proposed project by the St. Mary Levee District consists of the installation of the structure that includes a floodwall, levee and steel floodgate across Bayou Teche near the Charenton Drainage and Navigation Canal. Approximately 32,000 cubic yards of material would be excavated from Bayou Teche and placed onsite.
Approximately 2,000 cubic yards of rock and 8,000 cubic yards of soil would be hauled in from offsite to be used as fill. Approximately 0.4 acres of emergent marsh, 0.8 acres of forested wetlands, 1.6 acres of non-vegetated water bottoms, and 14 acres of upland habitat would be impacted by the proposed activities.
District Executive Director Tim Matte said the structure is intended to provide flood protection along the Teche east of the canal in the Franklin and Centerville areas.
He added that a preliminary study indicates the structure could result in a 0.10-foot rise in water levels just west of the structure. That increase would diminish along the bayou’s westward flow, he said.
Written public comments are being accepted no later than Sept. 30. They may be emailed to bobby.d.quebedeaux@usace.army.mil or matthew.o’neal@la.gov.
For additional information call the Levee District at 985-380-5500.