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Water Management Project in Basin Starting up

The startup of a dredging and water management project at Schwing Chute in lower St. Martin Parish has begun, according to Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott Angelle. Officials are meeting for a ceremony to mark construction of the project at the Belle River Boat Landing on Friday, June 25, 2004 at 9 a.m.

The Schwing Chute water management project is one of several water quality enhancement projects initiated by DNR’s Atchafalaya Basin Program (ABP).

The project area and the lower end of East Grand Lake received massive amounts of sediment as a result of the Interior Circulation Channel constructed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1991. The sediment buildup as a result of this work, made the area impassible in low water periods, reducing its effectiveness as spawning grounds and as refuges for game fish during major storms.

Manson Gulf, LLC of Houma was awarded the state contract at a cost of $784,550. Schwing Chute and lower Grand Lake water levels will increase as a result of the work to be performed, providing approximately six feet of water during low water periods.

State Representative Karen St. Germain (District 60), ABP Director Sandra Thompson, and St. Martin parish officials will be on-hand during the event to discuss the project plans.

For more information, contact: DNR Public Information Office, Maureen Haik at 225-342-0058.

	During the detailed explanation of the Schwing Chute water management project pictures were displayed for participants. This is a close up of the dredging work at Schwing Chute.
	Sandra Thompson and other local officials toss dredged material from the Schwing Chute project at the groundbreaking ceremony.