Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District moves forward with Thibodaux weir removal

On Monday, August 26 2019, the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District authorized an agreement with Duplantis Design Group to complete survey, regulatory compliance, demolition plan, and permitting for removal of the Thibodaux weir.

The Thibodaux weir was constructed in 1969 to create a water reservoir for water treatment facilities and sugar can mills north of the weir. While it has served its purpose, it has slowed the flow of water in Bayou Lafourche, and greatly restricted boat travel in the bayou. The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District (BLFWD) has made great strides in increasing the flow of water, implementing water supply redundancies, and developing recreational opportunities for the bayou through various recently completed projects. These completed projects have created the opportunity for the weir to be removed without jeopardizing the bayou's water supply which supports 300,000 people across Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, and Terrebonne Parishes.

Completed Work Necessary for Weir Removal:

--Construction of the Lockport Water Control Structure

--Hydraulic Modeling Study

--Construction Authorization of the Labadieville Water Control Structure

--Design Firm Authorization for Removal Plans

Remaining Tasks for Weir Removal:

--Survey, Due Diligence, & Regulatory Compliance (underway)

--Approved Demolition Plan

--Seek Public Bids & Contractor Selection

--Demolition

In addition to the weir removal, the BLFWD will soon be constructing a new $65 Million pump station in Donaldsonville which will have the ability to pump more water into Bayou Lafourche. This will increase the protection from river vessels, create a more efficient pumping system, and add redundancies to ensure uninterrupted pumping.

"The BLFWD is committed to moving the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche program forward, and this is another critical component of that program. The removal of the weir will not only provide unrestricted access for the public, but it also removes a major impediment to the operations and maintenance obligation of BLFWD," Ben Malbrough, Executive Director of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District said.

Contributed by Friends of Bayou Lafourche