Old River Mitigation Bank (Prien Lake)

[Duck Butter]

Originally Posted by "K"

It is apparent that Stream Wetland Services did not provide disclosure to all involved residents.
It is also apparent that no regard has been given to the effects of dredge spoil or fill material into navigable waters. This material will eventually enter the existing water and bottoms
This material was already IN the existing water and bottoms
negatively impacting a currently stable and environmentally sound ecosystem.


2.Storm surges must be considered. This will not act as a barrier, its elevation will only be five feet. 5 feet HIGHER than sea level Our two last hurricanes (Rita and Ike) had 11 foot storm surges in this area. Photos are enclosed. The water was able to quickly recede but the elevated marsh land and levee system will likely trap this water. A significant flooding concern exists and Stream Wetland Services can anticipate numerous lawsuits as a result of their project.

3.Water flow into this area will be impeded. The above paragraph just stated that this will not act as a barrier Stagnant areas of water will be likely be prevalent. De-watering may prove to be an unintended consequence rendering boat slips, boathouses and bulkheads useless.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS:

1.The dredged material is of grave concern in that it will likely contain hazardous materials from nearby chemical plants. In addition, these materials will contain foul and noxious odors that will have to be endured for a ten year period. Also, these carcinogenic compounds will enter our waters, water bottoms and the air we breath. They are there already, this is not some foreign material coming from the Japan nuclear plant. The Calcasieu Estuary Remedial Investigation from 1999-2002 depicts alarming data of the EPA’s Region Superfund program. Spoils from this Superfund site are known to contain PCB’s,
dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. So.....?

2.Creation of a marsh in a residential neighborhood will also become a danger to public health. Marshes are breeding grounds for disease carrying mosquitoes. So there are no mosquitoes in this area already? Mosquito larvae are at the base of the food chain also. Efforts to control this will be futile.

3.Noise from the construction site, amplified over water, continuing for a ten year period will become a deterrent to outdoor activities and our way of life. This is a residential neighborhood.
And there it is, all this writing and we finally get to the jist of it

FISH, WILDLIFE AND RECREATION CONCERNS:

1.As stated in the public notice the project will result in “ the destruction or alteration of 220 acres of EFH utilized by various life stages of red drum and penaeid shrimp. In addition to these, we also contend that populations of numerous specimens of spotted sea trout, shad, flounder, catfish, etc. will most certainly be effected and would be a tragedy. Recreational fishing, boating and water sports on these waters will end for this community and those who enjoy it. Who fishes or boats in a 18" mudflat

2.Numerous species of birds use and inhabit this open water. Migratory ducks and geese, brown pelicans, white pelicans in cooler months, egrets, Great Blue Heron, osprey, Bald Eagle, etc. are an integral part of this environment. If the area is altered or destroyed, it will cease to be home to these species. That sucks for all these birds they will have no open places to go Guess they will be rendered unable to fly 1/4 mile to the next mudflat. They WILL find suitable habitat elsewhere. This is how people spin things, throw in some flagship species like BALD EAGLE and people start to listen. Never once mentioned laughing gulls everyone likes those

I understand these people are upset because of the construction, but this argument is pretty lame