West Belle Pass Headland Geomorphic and Sediment Tracer Analysis

The Water Institute of the Gulf (the Institute), in partnership with the University of New Orleans Pontchartrain Institute of Environmental Sciences (UNO PIES) and Environmental Tracing Ltd. (ET), conducted a sediment tracer study to evaluate sediment transport dynamics along the western Caminada Headland between Belle Pass and Raccoon Pass in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. This location is commonly referred to as West Belle Pass Headland. The study was completed under Task Order 97 (TO97) in support of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Terrebonne Basin Barrier Island Project (TE-0143).

The Operations Division of CPRA is tasked with monitoring, maintaining, and operating restoration projects that protect and sustain Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. A critical component of these responsibilities includes evaluating sediment dynamics that influence the geomorphic evolution and long-term performance of barrier island and headland restoration projects. Understanding sediment transport pathways is essential for optimizing design strategies, managing nourishment efforts, and maintaining ecosystem resilience.

The TO97 sediment tracer study was designed to quantify nearshore sediment transport pathways and validate geomorphic trends observed at the West Belle Pass Headland. The study incorporated both field and analytical components, including the purchase, release, and recovery of EcoTrace™ fluorescent sediment tracers, background sampling to assess potential for natural fluorescence interference, and subsequent sampling and laboratory analysis to identify and quantify tracer distribution patterns. The results inform CPRA’s understanding of sediment movement, erosion, and accretion processes that shape the restored headland and feeder beach as well as assess coastal system benefits downdrift outside of the project fill template.