Researching Uncertainties Related to Sediment Diversions

This project, funded by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), focused on the development of a work plan to address critical technical uncertainties of Mississippi River sediment diversions related to fresh water, nutrient and sediment effects on coastal receiving basins.   Senior researchers were solicited in four fields of interest that related to environmental conditions of the receiving basins: (1) estuarine water quality, (2) wetland vegetation, (3) wetland soils and strength, and (4) estuarine hydrodynamics and sediment transport.  Using external expert guidance and input from CPRA, a comprehensive list of critical uncertainties was developed and prioritized based on resource management and scientific merit.  General research activities were identified to address each uncertainty, high priority items were developed more extensively with a focus on a potential field site of the Fort Saint Phillip crevasse splay.